Space invaders

WHY USE IT

This fun game is a great way to engage young players and promote both accurate passing and passing options for team-mates.

 

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Split the area into two halves and divide players into two equal teams. Try to limit teams to four or five players maximum.

 

HOW TO play

Each team starts in their own half of the area. Assign players in each team with a number from one to the number of players per team. This means there will be one of each number per team. 

 

Each team starts by passing a ball between themselves within their half. When the coach calls out a number, the player from each team assigned that number runs into the opposition’s half as a defender. 

 

When the defender wins the ball, or forces a mistake so that the ball goes out of play, the game stops. 

The first defender to break up play wins a point for their team, and then returns to their team’s half.

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progressions & aDAPTATIONS

For more advanced players, encourage the defender to keep possession after winning the ball, by allowing them to score into a small goal, or by awarding a bonus point for transferring the ball to their own team. You can also call more than one number at once, so two or three defenders enter the opposition’s half.

 

COACHING POINTS

• Attackers: Encourage them to take a first touch into space, away from the defender. Encourage them to consider their next pass before they have received the ball. Team-mates should look to move into space and provide a good passing option.
• Defenders: Encourage them to position their body to force the player on the ball away from where they want to go. If possible, use the edge of the area as an extra defender and force attackers off the pitch.