Football Technique | Gladiators
Suitable for players aged 7-8 years
SETUP
- Create an area up to 15m x 20m
- Set up a goal 3m in size with large or different coloured cones on each corner of the area (two 3m goals at either end of the area)
- Divide players into 2 teams of ‘gladiators’ and set them up at either end of the area behind the centre cones
HOW TO PLAY
- Team A start with a ball each and team B start without a ball
- Team A pass the ball to team B, follow their pass and then work as a defender. The team B ‘gladiator’ receiving the pass moves to receive the ball and tries to beat their opponent by performing a fake and dribbling through their target goals
- If the defending gladiator wins the ball they must try to dribble the ball through their target goals
- Players change roles after each turn (defending players become attackers and vice versa)
PROGRESSION
Intermediate: Specify one goal (left or right) that players must dribble through
Advanced: Two attackers vs. two defenders
OUTCOMES
- Dribbling and changing direction with close ball control
- Keeping head up for awareness of space and other players while dribbling
- Using fakes and turns to beat a defender