Connect four-in-a-row

WHY USE IT

This gets players talking and thinking more tactically. It’s particularly useful for a group where there might be a bit of tension, or a group that hasn’t played together much before.

SET UP

Split players into two teams (or more with more pitches). Use the full size of the pitch. In the centre, mark out a Connect Four-style game with cones.

HOW TO PLAY

The two teams stand behind the line at each end of the pitch. Every player needs a ball at their feet and a cone in their hand. Each team should have different coloured cones. The teams give each of their players a number – the coach and the other team shouldn’t know these numbers. When the coach shouts a number, that player must run with the ball as fast as they can and touch one of the ‘Connect 4’ cones with their ball. Once they have done this, that is their ‘chosen cone’. They must then drop their team cone on top of it and return to their start position. The coach continues to call out numbers until one team wins four-in-a-row with a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.

COACHING POINTS

• Start and stop fast – can you move the ball quickly, but have it under control so you can stop it when you need to.
• Think tactically – what cone might you go for next?