FineSoccer Drill 138

Today's activity is a simple one and works on shielding, aggressiveness and taking players on.

Two players in a limited area (10 x 10) with one ball.  The objective of this game is real simple.  Each player will try to "meg" the opponent while trying not to be "megged" themself.  A "meg" or "nutmeg" is when a ball is played through the opponents legs and received on the other side.

Whoever starts with the ball will try to keep the ball by shielding while the other player tries to get the ball from her.  Anytime the player with the ball has the opportunity, she will turn on the defender and try to "meg" her or she could try to do this while still shielding.  The defender tries to win the ball yet has to maintain good defensive positioning in order to not get "megged" at the same time.

This game teaches the attacking player to shield side on (because if they shield with their back to the defender they are at risk of both losing the ball and getting "megged" at the same time), look for the opportunity to turn and take some chances.  Defensively, it teaches to stay right on the player with the ball to prevent the turn, and also to defender side on as well.

I have done this game at some camps this past summer and not only did the players learn, they also had fun.  Somehow a game that starts out as a 3-5 minute activity ends up being a week long contest as they played it on breaks on their own.

Give this game a try and let me know what you think on the FineSoccer Forum

Have a great day!

Lawrence