Possession game · 17 seconds
3 v 3 with Bouncers
A keep-ball game with a neutral player on each end line. The bouncers stay on their line, cannot be tackled, and play for whoever has the ball, so the team in possession always has a safe wall at both ends. Pass into a bouncer and move to get it straight back, and when one end gets crowded, switch the play and reach the other one. Going bouncer to bouncer is the whole objective: use one end, work it across, reach the other, and that is a point. For younger players, simplify it to six passes in a row. Win it back and you keep it exactly the same way, because the two neutrals are yours the moment you have the ball. Swap the bouncers in every couple of minutes so everybody plays in the middle and on the ends.
Instructions
- 3 v 3 in a grid about 16 by 12 yards, with a neutral bouncer on each end line
- The bouncers stay on their line, play for whoever has the ball, and cannot be tackled
- Use a bouncer as a wall: pass in, then move to get it back, and they play one or two touches
- Show at an angle rather than hiding behind a defender, and scan before you receive
- Going bouncer to bouncer is a point; win it back and you keep it the same way
Variation
- Start with unlimited touches, then limit the middle to two touches. For younger players, simplify the scoring so six passes in a row is a point. Add a bouncer on each side as well, so there are four outlets, or play 4 v 4 if you have the numbers. Make the return pass from a bouncer go to a different player, not back to whoever passed in.
Building lineups in seconds
Set your team sheet, plan your substitutions, and share it with the parents before you leave the car park.
