Reaction Race with a Pass

Focus

Games & Races.

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

A fun game testing reactions and requiring defenders to either roll-the-dice, or play-it-safe.

Groups of

Ages

6⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Split into 2 teams who line-up behind 2 lines - 1 per sideline - alternating with opposition, first player staring-down an opponent on the other wing. Each turn involves first 2 players in EACH line (4 players), others sit out. Place 1 ball on cone (1), another on (2).
Step 1
When everyone is setted, coach calls 'go!'. (A) has the advantage of choosing when and where to sprint. They have 2 choices:- the ball on cone (1), or the ball on cone (2). (B) must show quick reactions to race for (A)'s target ball.
Step 2
(A) or (B) wins the ball by picking it up. The player who loses this contest becomes the defender.

IMPORTANT Player arriving 2nd relinquishes to avoid a head-clash, or if the race is a tie, (B) should abort
Step 3
Defending player must pressure the passer. Player in possession must pass to their team-mate from the other end, who has trailed their opponent towards the contest

(A) passes to (C). (B) passes to (D) somewhere in the goal third.

(C / D) can turn defender if they see their teammate will lose the race to the ball

Once the play is completed, players return to original line and ball returned on cone it was taken from
Step 4
Next 4 in-line repeat, this time the opposition (B) getting to start first

In subsequent turns players try to change roles from:-

1. Receiver (C & D)

2. Passer-leader (A) / Passer-chaser (B)
Step 5
Advanced level progression: Remove cone (2). Introduce a defenders (E & F) who block (A & B) respectively as they run for the ball on cone (1)

This progression makes it more considerably more difficult. The passers (A & B) must work hard to slip their defender.