Pass with flying colours

WHY USE IT

This fun game can be used as a warm-up, or part of the main session. It encourages players to run with the ball at speed, and works on passing technique and accuracy.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Place a square in each corner of the area, and divide the players equally between the squares. 

Players need a ball each. Place a ball on top of a cone in the centre of the area.

HOW TO play

Each corner square is named after a country competing at the Uefa Women’s Euros. Encourage players to pick their own countries, and see if they can name some players, too. 

On the coach’s call, one player from each team must dribble around the outside of the area and back to their square. They then aim to be the first to knock the ball off the central cone by passing their ball. They can do so from their country square, or they can choose to dribble closer to the cone.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• You can start the game without balls, and players just race back to their country square. 

   

• For more advanced groups, you could place cones between each country for players to dribble in and out of on their way around, or have a different challenge on two sides of the square.

Coaching points

• Encourage players to take bigger touches when running into space, then smaller touches if they are changing direction around corners, to keep the ball under control.
• Players should be encouraged to run with their heads up, and pass with the inside of their foot for accuracy, with their non-passing foot placed alongside the ball, facing the target