Objective:

• To start practice is a lively, fun way.
• To get the children laughing.

Organization:

• Mark out an area 15 yards by 15 yards - depending on the numbers.
• With a group of say 12, have 5 or 6 of the players with a ball.
• Start with a game of soccer tag - the players with the ball can only untag themselves by hitting the leg or foot (i.e., below the knee with the ball), but the ball must be kicked.
• Then the game is changed. Just four players have a ball and the ball is picked up. The rule is now that to tag someone the player with the ball must hit another without a ball below the knee. This time the player without the ball can protect his/her lower legs with the hands and arms.
• Finally, a more conventional game of tag, where the player who is "It!" can tag any player within the square -- except for those holding a ball.
• The idea is for those with a ball to follow "It!" around and throw the ball to a friend who is about to be tagged.
• Should a player just hang on to the ball and do nothing then that player becomes "It!" (at the direction and discretion of the coach).
• Similarly, if a player runs out of the area in an attempt not to be tagged that player becomes "It!"

Teaching:

• Encourage the players to be alert and alive and looking all around so as not to be caught out.
• Encourage the players with the balls to "hunt in pairs" to either tag someone or later to help the player who might be tagged and is looking for a helpful soccer ball.

Target:

• Not to get tagged; or to untag oneself as quickly as possible.