10 Jan 2017
Defend and save your country
An enjoyable and fun game that encourages players pass and move skills and also provides opportunities for individual and team defending.
Organisation
- Area 35 x 25 yards, split into 3 x 15 x 25 yard zones – adjust area size to suit the numbers, players ages and abilities
- 8 – 12 players split into two teams.
- Position a team in each end zone.
- Number the players in each team
- Each team has a ball
- Supply of balls with the coach
Start
- On the coaches call the ball starts with player 1, who passes to player 2, to player 3 and so on
- Both teams playing at the same time
Pass in numbered order
- The players must pass in a sequential order: 1 – 2: 2 – 3 etc
- The ball and the players must remain in the end zone.
Progression 1
- The coach calls a number – 4
- The players with that number must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
- The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
- They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
- The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
- First team to 5 or 10 points win.
- After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated
Progression 2
- The coach calls 2 or 3 numbers.
- The players with those numbers must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
- The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
- They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
- The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
- First team to 5 or 10 points win.
- After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated
Top tips for passing and support
- Players to play with their heads up and “picture the pass” before passing
- Accurate passing
- Movement from the players off the ball to create space and support the player with the ball
- Pass the ball to players who don’t have a defender near them
- Good communication between players
Top tips for defending
- Run quickly as the ball is moving
- Be aggressive, but patient and disciplined. Stay on your feet
- Try and intercept or win the ball on bad control or a poor pass