A fun Race game that works on cradling and ball control, while thinking about space
Set Up
Create a 15 yd wide × 25 yd long channel (cones on both sides). Attacker starts at one end with ball. Defender starts 5 yds behind anywhere on the line.. right behind, to the left, or right, the attacker and on “go”, attacker wins by crossing the far end line anywhere within the channel width.
Coaching Points & Principles
- Why no goal? Removing the goal removes the “just run straight” temptation. The attacker must use the full width and the defender’s positioning to find the best path across.
- Coaches should Look for:
- Attacker look back to check defender position
- before committing Attacker uses the full 15-yd width rather than running straight
- Change of direction rather than just speed to beat the defender
- Accelerates into space AFTER making the defender commit
- Coaches should manipulate if they start to see
- offense running straight line every time
- Is NOT looking to space, heads down
- Players stopping when a defender catches them, OK but urge them to think about changing direction and continuing to run
Progressions
- Narrow the channel
- Give defender shorter space behind
