PASSING

The Name Game

Four or more players needed. Players stand in a circle and pass the ball to one another, but they must call out the name of the person they are passing to. This is great at the beginning of the season so everyone learns names. If the players are doing well and you have enough players, add additional balls.

Battle Field

Any number of players can be used. All players line up on one end and attempt to run to the other end without being hit by a ball kicked by a coach. Those who are hit join the “firing squad.” The game ends when all players have been hit.

Gotcha!

Each player needs to have a ball. Player A is “it” and is the only player to start with a ball. All other players are around the outside of the gridded space. Player A dribbles and tries to hit the other players below the waist with the ball. When hit, that player gets a ball and joins player A. The game ends when all players have been caught. The last player caught starts with the ball for the next game.

If you think the task will be too difficult for one player to get another at the start of the game, start with two players being “it.” Encourage quick movements and sudden changes of direction to catch players off guard. Encourage deceptive passing of the ball: look one way and pass the other using the outside of the foot. Players not caught should run, jump and use zig-zag movements.

Monkey in the Middle

The players form a circle with one player (the monkey) in the center. The other players attempt to pass the ball around and the monkey attempts to intercept it. When the monkey gets the ball, he joins the circle and the player who made the “fatal” pass becomes the monkey. This game can be modified by increasing the number of monkeys and/or balls that are used.

Marbles

Split your team into two groups and line them up behind two opposing lines. Each player should have a ball. Place an unusual color (or size) ball in the middle. This is the marble. Have the players attempt to move the marble across the other team’s line by striking it with a ball. After the game begins I don’t require the players to use their own ball. If they lose their own ball, they are free to use any other ball they can find.

Who’s Open

Four or five players form a circle about 15 yards in diameter (adjust for age). All players except one have a ball at their feet. Two players are inside the circle – one designated as the attacker and the other as the defender.

To begin, the attacking player moves and calls out the name of the player he wants to serve him a ball. He must control the ball and return it to the open player who did not have a ball at the start of the game (you can’t give it back to the player who served it). The attacker then asks for another ball (calling the player’s name and making the appropriate run) and repeats the exchange. The defender attempts to dispossess the attacker.