Escape the monsters

Why use it

This fun Halloween-themed game introduces dribbling against opposition for young players. The players have to use their football skills to escape defenders rather than simply practising them in isolation.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Make three to four small “graveyards” around the outside using cones. Every player has a ball. Choose two to three players to be zombies.

How to play

The players are trying to transport their footballs (magic pumpkins) safely around the haunted forest. The defenders (zombies) try to steal/kick their balls away.

If a zombie wins the ball, the player has to retrieve their ball and escape to a graveyard and perform a challenge before returning. Challenges could be things such as:

• 5 toe taps
• a turn
• dribble around a cone and back.

The players should be encouraged to attack the space away from the zombies.

Coaching points

• Encourage players to keep their heads up - where are the zombies?
• Can you recognise space?
• Keep the ball on the side furthest from the defender
• Change direction rather than running straight into danger
• Can you accelerate away after beating the zombie?
• Be brave - try a move!

Progressions/adaptations

• Make it easier: Zombies can only walk.

   

• Progress it slightly: Zombies can move normally but cannot tackle.

   

• Make it harder: Zombies can tackle normally.

You can also introduce safe houses where players can briefly protect their ball without being challenged - but only one player can use each safe house at a time.