Back pocket game for coaching communication and support

Small-sided fun game to warm-up team

age group: All ages

This is a small sided team game (3v3 4v4 or 5v5) that uses netball-style play to develop soccer (football) skills.

Set up a goal at each end of a small square, circle or triangle. The shape of the playing area doesn't matter, in fact an unusual shape makes the players think a bit more. The size of the area depends on the age and number of players. Just make sure they have plenty of room to play. For ten year olds, I would suggest 40 by 30 yards.

The aim of the game is to pass the ball among your team WITH HANDS, keeping possession and working up the field in order to score a point. Each team scores by placing the ball (or throwing the ball down) in their opponents' goal or on the end line.

Alternatively, teams score by making a successful pass to a team mate who is stationed on their target end line.
Players pass the ball by throwing it. Once a player receives the ball they cannot run, they are frozen (or can take a limited number of steps depending on their age and ability) and then must pass to a team mate.

The opposing team can only intercept between passes - they cannot grab the ball out of players' hands. If the ball goes out of the playing area, award a throw in to the opposing team.

When a goal is scored, the team that scored must try and keep possession and can’t score into the goal. If they do, the goal is disallowed and a goal kick is awarded.

If the other team equalise and make it 1-1, either team can then score to make it 2-1. To win the game, the team in the lead has to keep possession until the final whistle.

Coaching points