close
LOGINYou are viewing
1 of your 3 free articles
Cat and mouse
Youngsters can improve their running with the ball in this fun Tom and Jerry-style activity.
WHY USE IT
This fun game allows players to practice dribbling and running with the ball, with a small amount of pressure.
Players can also practice their tackling, shielding, 1v1, passing, receiving and finishing skills.
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Place a mini goal on each side of the area.
All players, except those who will be defenders, need a ball each.
HOW TO play
Two players start off as the defenders (cats). Their role is to steal the balls (cheese) from the attackers (mice).
The mice have to think of dribbling moves and skills they can use to keep their ball away from the cats.
If the cats gain possession, they can shoot into the goals. Mice try and win their ball back as well as defending the goals. If a mouse loses their ball and a goal is scored, they can team up with another mouse to pass, helping to keep possession. Swap roles.
PROGRESSIONS & ADAPTATIONS
Increase the number of defenders (cats). The game can further be progressed by having the mice work in pairs to keep possession from the start. If they dribble to a target, they earn points for their team.
Defenders are now further challenged as they must gain possession, but also protect the targets to stop the mice from earning points. This can further be progressed into a small-sided game.
COACHING POINTS
As an attacker, how will you try and keep possession of the ball?
What different dribbling moves, turns or skills can you use to trick the defenders?
How can you use your body to protect the ball?
When your football has been stolen, how will you work with your team-mates to maintain possession?
1. Each of the attackers (‘mice’) start with a ball, dribbling around the area
2. The defenders (‘cats’) aim to win possession of a ball
3. If a defender wins a ball, they aim to score in one of the mini goals. The attacker can try to win their ball back
4. If a goal is scored, the attacker who lost their football can team up with another attacker to help them keep possession
Related Files
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Women's Soccer Coaching makes them more confident, 91% said Women's Soccer Coaching makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Women's Soccer Coaching makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Inspired
All the latest techniques and approaches
Women's Soccer Coaching offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched Soccer Coach Weekly in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
