Raid the Nest

DESCRIPTION

Equipment/setup: 

4 bases and 1 “nest” made of hoops, markers or cones. Nest is filled with balls.

No. of players: 8-16

Procedure: 

Divide players into 4 teams, each with their own base.

Teams each try to carry “eggs” (balls) from the nest back to their base.

When nest is empty, stop and count the number of balls in each base. Team with the most balls wins.

Round 1: No stealing from other bases. No tackling, no passing.

Rounds 2, 3: change rules (See below).

Progressions:

• [to encourage teamwork] You can steal from other nests.
• [to encourage defending] You can tackle. Tackles must be legal
• [to encourage passing + teamwork] You can pass

Variations:

• Size: Alter size of playing zone / nest. Alter distance between nest and bases.
• Pitch: add cone obstacles around the pitch.
• Goalkeepers can either: 1) be "mother hens" and guard the nest, or 2) help 1 team.
• Bases: uses containers/boxes so the players have to chip the balls in.
• Scoring: yellow balls are golden eggs worth 3pts.

COACHING POINTS

This activity can be used as a warm-up. The version without passing, stealing and tackling practises carrying only. Rules can be added to practise passing and tackling. After each round, introduce a new rule as appropriate.

Questions for between rounds: 

How will the new rules change the way you try to win the game?

(if GK is on a team) How can you use your GK? i.e. by guarding their base / blocking the nest to other teams / blocking other bases

Focus:

1.     GK: closing down players, using quick footwork/manoeuvring to stop the go-forward and kick balls away.

2.     Outfielders: carrying the ball / moving the ball / stick skills / defensive skills