Opening up space - warm-up

WHY USE IT

Gives players an awareness of space and other players around them. It encourages them to use all of the space, not just the direction they are facing. It attempts to mimic players having to consider where their teammates are while also considering where the opposition players are.

SET UP

Mark out a rectangular area, relative to the number of players taking part.

HOW TO PLAY

Each player has a player to tag, and a player tagging them. Effectively the players become a chain. Set a 60-second timer – players have to avoid the person tagging them, and tag the person they are chasing.

If they successfully tag, they get one point. If their tagger tags them, they lose one point. Once they are tagged, chasing continues.

After the time is up, rotate the order so players get to face players of different speeds and approaches.

Progression: Each player has a ball, which they need to shield from a given player. They are also given a player to steal the ball from. Set a 60-second timer. Players win a point if they tackle and lose a point if they are tackled.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to feint and change direction to throw their chaser off.
• Scanning – players should keep heads up and look around the area while moving.