Football Technique | Lose Your Partner
Suitable for players aged 7-8 years
SETUP
- Create an area up to 30m x 30m. Modify the size depending on the number of players
- Set up five 2m goals within the area
- Divide players into pairs, one with the ball and one without
HOW TO PLAY
- Players dribble around the area, avoiding other players and trying to ‘lose’ their partner, who is shadowing them
- Shadows do not try to tackle, but instead, stay close to their partner and try to influence the direction they move in
- In addition to trying to lose their shadow, players also try to dribble through as many goals as possible
- After 45 seconds the players swap roles
- The aim is to see which partner can score the most points by dribbling through goals
PROGRESSION
Basic: On the call ‘freeze’ all players stop to check how close each ‘shadow’ is
Intermediate: Introduce contact and tackling
OUTCOMES
- Dribbling and changing direction with close ball control
- Change of pace while dribbling
- Keeping head up for awareness of space and other players while dribbling
- Players ability to use their body to protect the ball while under pressure