The great Easter Egg chase

Why use it

This fun Easter-themed game adds competition and urgency to shooting practice and encourages quick transitions from attack to defence. It also develops awareness of when to shoot vs protect the ball and provides fun with lots of races, goals and chaos.

 

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players, with two-four small goals around the outside. Place a number of balls in the centre (Easter Eggs). Split players into two-four teams. Each team starts in a corner which is their Easter Base.

 

How to play

On the coach’s call, the first player from each team runs to the middle to collect an egg (ball). They must quickly:

• Dribble away from pressure
• Decide which goal to attack
• Shoot and score

As soon as they shoot:

• They immediately become a defender
• Try to stop other players still attacking

The next player from each team goes as soon as the first player touches a ball. The game continues in waves so there is constant movement and quick decisions.

 

Progressions/adaptations

To make the game easier:

• No defenders after shooting
• Players have a free shot once they collect the ball
• Bigger goals or closer shooting distance

To make the game harder:

• Limit time to shoot (e.g. 5 seconds)
• Must use weaker foot
• Add more defenders quickly (faster transitions)
• Players can steal balls from each other before shooting

Coaching points

• Quick reactions: explode to the ball first
• Head up early: where is the space/goal?
• Positive first touch out of feet
• Composure in front of goal
• Transition mindset: “Can you defend straight after you shoot?”