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Learning goals
- Body Position and shape - Balls of feet, ready to react
- Predict/Restrict the movement
- Check shoulders
- Speed of movement and when to intercept or delay, cover or support
Setup
In groups of 3, 2 players are chosen to be Line Players and 1 will be the Middle Player
The aim of the activity is the 2 Line Players can run around the area in any direction at any speed trying to get away from the Middle Player.
The Middle Player must try and stay in a ‘Straight Line’ between the 2 Line Players.
When the coach calls ‘STOP’, all players must stop moving. If the Middle Player is not in a straight line between the 2 Line Players, then players self-evaluate on the success
Development - Technical
Use these progressions to manage the activity.
Progression 1
Line Players have a football, passing a ball between each other whilst trying to loose the Middle Player. The Middle Player tries to intercept the ball and scores point if successful. If the Middle Player intercepts, they swap places with Line player.
Progression 2
2 groups of 3 join up so there are now 4 attackers and 2 defenders. The 4 attackers attempt to keep the ball by passing between them, whilst the defenders try and intercept. If the defenders are successful they swap with an attacker.
Steps
Use these ideas to progress and change the activity.
Space
- Adjust the size of the overall area(s) and triangle(s)
- Encourage players to restrict the space when defending
Task
- Players start with the ball in their hands when passing between the 2 line players
- Players to work in team units
- Set player goals
Equipment
- Give footballs to both line players to slow down running movements
People
- Rotate roles of line players and middle players so all have a chance to defend
- If participant numbers aren’t divisible by 3, there can be 2 middle players
Speed
- Change to space size to affect the intensity
- How many times can you win the ball back in a set time?
- Win the ball back to change roles
Your turn
What do you think of this activity?
What skills do you think this activity develops?
Thinking about STEPS, how would you adapt this activity?
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