The 1v1 gate game

WHY USE IT

Helps players understand some tactical elements, while testing them both psychologically and physically.

SET UP

Set up a square area relevant for your players. Use approximately six players in each area. Split them into pairs with one player in each pair having a ball. Within the area, there are a number of gates - ideally one or two more gates than there are pairs of players.

HOW TO PLAY

Players look to travel through a gate while in possession of the ball. Every time they achieve it, they win a point. If the other player wins possession, they try to travel through the gates. When the ball goes out of the area, possession is given to whoever did not touch the ball last.

Progressions: If a player can complete a turn back through a gate, they get an additional point; Set a rule that you can’t go through the same gate twice - if they travel through all the gates a player could win additional points and all the gates become unlocked.

COACHING POINTS

Players must consider how to get through all gates as quickly as possible and when they should use a turn. Also, how do they react to winning or losing the game - what is their psychological reaction? How do they approach the next game?