Translated from Finnish ·
Description
Mark out an area of approximately 16 × 20 metres. At each end, create an island about three metres deep, with the sea in between. In the sea, there is initially one defender, who can move anywhere in the whole sea. Everyone else has their own ball and starts on the same island. Everyone sets off at the same time and tries to dribble the ball to the opposite island. If the defender wins the ball, they kick it out of the area, and the caught player takes a bib and joins the defenders. Players set off straight away back to the other side. With each crossing there are more defenders and fewer dribblers. The last player on the ball wins. For a large group, start with two defenders or make two areas.
Quality Factors
Head up already on the island: eyes scanning for a gap between the defenders and around the edges. In open space, use longer touches and speed; near a defender, use shorter touches and keep the ball close to your foot. When a defender comes in front, get your body between the ball and the defender or change direction away from them. The defender closes down quickly, with short final steps and a side-on body shape, and only wins the ball when the touch gets away from the attacker.
Key Questions
- Which gap can you get through when there are already several defenders?
- When do you leave the island, and why at that moment?
- How do your touches change when a defender comes close?
- Defender: how do you recognise the moment when you can win the ball?
Training Info
- 5+ players
- Age Group: U7+