EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FOR GRASSROOTS SOCCER COACHES
Two fleets of star fighters start either side of the grid on their launch pads. The star fighters take off on the commander’s order to battle the opposing fleet. To score you must knock an opponent’s ball out of the grid with your ball whilst ensuring that your ball stays inside the grid. If your ball leaves the grid you have been shot down and should crash land outside of the grid. At the end of the battle the fleet with the most remaining star fighters wins.
Accuracy and weight of passing.
Area: 30×30 yard square
Players: 16, 2 teams of 8
Equipment: Cones, ball each
Star fighters prepare for battle.
As fighters are shot down they leave the area.
There can only be one winner.
“Lock on to a target”
“Try to not get shot down”
“Keep your ball close”
For older children you might allow a hit to include striking your opponent below the knee rather than knocking their ball out of the grid. Not too hard though!
Keep spare balls at each end as if a player attempts a strike and misses the ball could go anywhere. Shot down players can then act as ammunition collectors to keep the team’s supply stocked.
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