Changing Allies
Four pairs change allies on a clear coach call, then combine towards the two targets belonging to the opposing alliance.
- 12 min
- 8–16 players
Game · U12
Keep the Centre Closed
Three defenders protect the central ground route while allowing safe circulation in the wider space.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Defending
- Scanning
- Teamwork
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Three blue attackers face three red defenders on a field with a clearly marked central strip. Blue 3 offers beyond the red unit and blue 1 starts with the sole ball. The two outer areas are wide routes; there are no goals or two-line formation.
Coaching points
- Setup: Three blue attackers face three red defenders on a field with a clearly marked central strip. Blue 3 offers beyond the red unit and blue 1 starts with the sole ball. The two outer areas are wide routes; there are no goals or two-line formation.
- Play: Blue earns one by completing a ground pass to blue 3 through the central strip. A wide reception is allowed but earns no point. Red moves together to close the central lane and earns one for a clean travelling-ball interception or forcing the ball out. Do not step into a ball holder’s feet; delay and guide the choice wide when the central route remains protected.
- Reset and rotation: Stop at a score, ball out or the end of a 45-second bout. Exchange teams and rotate blue’s deeper receiver and red’s central screen between starts. Rest before restarting from either wide side; retrieval happens while stopped.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Use the ball, teammate and central receiver as reference points. The nearest defender discourages the inside pass while partners maintain the screen; safe wide circulation is an acceptable defensive result, not a reason to chase out and open the centre.
- Safety: Ground passes only. Walking opposition may intercept travelling or exposed balls, never tackle an occupied foot, slide, push or force contact. Stop when routes converge; collect and change roles only with play stopped.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 8 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Blue uses only the two wide ball holders while red rehearses keeping the deeper central receiver screened.
- Harder Blue 3 shifts within the central strip beyond red before each pass; red checks the new route while retaining walking pressure.
