Set Up:

• Every player is in the grid with a ball. When the coach starts the game, everyone tries to pass their ball and hit someone else’s ball. Regardless if they hit or miss, they track down their own ball, dribble around in the grid, and try again.
• Every time you hit another ball with your own, you get a point. However, if your ball is struck by someone else’s, you lose a point.
• Play for 1 minute. Stop to make a coaching point and play again.

Coaching Points:

• Players need to keep the ball close to their body with tight touches and be willing to turn often.

• Encourage the players to try using different parts of their feet to turn. When it looks like someone is about hit your ball, try changing direction quickly to get away and get someone else’s.

• Use open ended questions during the breaks between rounds:

  • When should the length of our touches change at different points in the game? (small/tight touches when turning and dribbling in a tight space, longer/looser touches when there is space in front of you so you can run faster)

  • Why is it important to complete a turn in as few touches as possible? (more touches take more time. The quicker you can turn direction, the more difficult it will be for someone to hit your ball)

  • Where should our eyes be looking when dribbling? (Up…use peripheral vision to see your ball, so your focus is what is around you.)