Cat and mouse

WHY USE IT

This fun game is a great warm-up or introduction to running with the ball.

 

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Use cones to mark out the halfway line and a safe zone at each end.

 

Split players into pairs; each player needs a bib to start with, and each will also need a ball later on.

 

HOW TO play

In pairs, players start facing each other, either side of the halfway line. Each player tucks their bib into their shorts, but making sure it is still clearly visible. One line of players are the ‘cats’; the other are the ‘mice’. 

If the coach calls "Cats!", those players must turn and sprint to their safe zone before their partners can steal their bibs – and vice versa if the coach calls "Mice!". The player that reaches the safe zone or steals the bib earns a point.

 

progressions & aDAPTATIONS

Each player has a ball and, to successfully reach the safe zone or capture their partner’s bib, their ball must remain under control.

 

You can progress further by allowing players to steal their partner’s ball for a point, rather than steal their bib.

 

COACHING POINTS

• Players should be on their toes, ready to react to the coach’s call.
• When balls are introduced, encourage players to take larger touches to run into space, keep their heads up and use their laces to control the ball.