Gladiators: Pursuit

WHY USE IT

This is a fun game which can be used as a warm-up or as an introductory game to running with the ball.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. At each end, mark out a ‘safety zone’ one for Reds, one for Blues. Players are put into pairs – one Red, one Blue.

HOW TO play

In their pairs, players start in the middle of the area facing each other, with their backs to their respective ‘safety zone’. The pairs play a game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’, with the winner turning to run back to their ‘safety zone’, while their partner tries to catch them. Players earn a point if they get to their ‘safety zone’ without being caught, or if they catch their partner. Play for three rounds and then swap partners.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• The pursuit can start in different ways, for example the coach calling ‘Red’ or ‘Blue’ while players carry out toe-taps or tennis-taps with a ball, or while passing a ball to each other.

• You can also progress the game so as both players have a ball to dribble while running.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes ready to run, with slightly bent knees. If running with a ball, encourage players to take bigger touches to run at speed, and smaller touches if they are in a crowded area.