Recover to Protect
After a placed attack, the former attacker recovers in a separate lane to protect the next target by reaching a defensive checkpoint.
- 10 min
- 2–4 players
Warm-up · U8
Mirror and Angle
A defender reads one walking partner and mirrors the direction with balanced side-on footwork, without a ball or challenge.
- Duration
- 6 min
- Players
- 2–4 (ideal 2)
- Defending
- Movement
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 2-player group is shown. A blue movement leader and red defender face each other across a generous clear gap. Each has a parallel walking lane bounded by the field corners and a flat endpoint marker. There is no ball, goal or bib to steal.
Coaching points
- Setup: A blue movement leader and red defender face each other across a generous clear gap. Each has a parallel walking lane bounded by the field corners and a flat endpoint marker. There is no ball, goal or bib to steal.
- Play: Blue walks forwards or backwards within the lane and pauses after a few steps. Red mirrors the change sideways in the parallel lane, keeping a balanced side-on stance and the gap open. A matched change followed by a balanced stop is one shared success; speed and reaching the partner earn nothing.
- Reset and rotation: After three changes, stop and exchange leader and defender. Rest after 30 seconds, then repeat with the lanes mirrored. Never cross into the other lane; shorten the movement if either child loses balance.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 2 players. With up to 4, 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: Watch the partner rather than the endpoint. Small adjusting steps and a comfortable side-on body help the defender stay ready without crossing feet or lunging.
- Safety: Ball-free walking lanes with a clear gap; no touching, chasing, bib grabbing, tackles or elimination. Stop if either player moves towards the partner or stumbles. Use level ground and supervision.
Equipment
- Flat Marker · 2 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 2 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier The leader names the direction and makes one step before pausing.
- Harder The leader chooses between a short forward or backward move without naming it; keep walking and pause before another change.
