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Down the chimney
A Christmas-themed game working on running with the ball and 1v1 skills.
WHY USE IT
This fun Christmas-themed game is ideal for a warm-up or as part of a wider session on running with the ball and 1v1 skills.
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Create an end zone (‘North Pole’) at one end and 2-3 gates (‘chimneys’) at the other. Divide players into 2-4 teams of 3-6 players. Players all start in the North Pole with a ball (‘present’) each.
HOW TO play
One player from each team starts by dribbling their ball from the end zone (‘North Pole’) through a gate (‘chimney’) at the other end of the area. They then run back to tag their next team-mate who dribbles their own ball. The first team to deposit all their balls (‘presents’) through the chimneys wins.
progressions & aDAPTATIONS
- The coach or a nominated player acts as the Grinch. The Grinch patrols the playing area and tries to protect the chimneys and tag players. If a player gets tagged, they must freeze for three seconds or complete a Christmas themed challenge (eg. Shouting ‘Ho Ho Ho).
- If a player falls off their sleigh (by dribbling out of the area or crashing into another player), they must take their ball back to the North Pole and start their run again.
- You can also add challenges for players, such as having to perform a turn when dropping the present through the chimney.
COACHING POINTS
- Encourage players to keep their heads up while running with the ball
- Encourage players to take bigger touches when running into space and smaller touches if it’s crowded
- Encourage players to make quick decisions and select the safest chimney to avoid other players and the Grinch
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One player from each team starts by dribbling their ball from the North Pole through a chimney
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They then run back to tag their next team-mate who dribbles their own ball
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The first team to deposit all their presents through the chimneys wins
Related Files
Hannah Duncan
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