Pac-Man players

WHY USE IT

This fun warm-up game is a great way to get young players moving and work on the ABCs (agility, balance, coordination, speed). It also works on spatial awareness, scanning and passing.

 

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Two players are selected as ‘ghosts’ and need a ball each. Keep a supply of balls next to the playing area.

 

HOW TO play

The two ghosts start at the side of the area with a ball each. All other players (‘Pac-Men’) are in the area, without a ball. The Pac-Men start by moving around the area, trying to find space. 

 

On the coach’s call, the ghosts enter the area with their balls. They aim to pass their balls, in order to hit the Pac-Men below the knee.

If a Pac-Man gets hit, they get a ball and join the ghosts. The last Pac-Man standing wins.

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progressions & aDAPTATIONS

If the Pac-Men are finding it too easy to dodge the balls, you can make it harder by giving them a ball each to dribble as well. 

 

If the Pac-Men are finding it difficult, you can set up ‘safe houses’ with a ball inside, where they can go to complete 10 toe-taps before rejoining the area. Players cannot be caught by ghosts while in the safe house.

 

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to look for space to avoid the ghosts.
• Encourage ghosts to pass with the inside of their foot for accuracy, and to keep their head and chest over the ball to keep it below knee height.