1. Adapted Fun Games For Developing Children’s Game Play These games have been specially written to help children’s decision making in team games. Terence McWilliams Ulster Games Development Manager

2. Layout: Mark out a large rectangle with 4 Zones Mark out two Dens at opposite ends of the large grid Pick and Drop: Two teams ( Yellow and Blue) aim to run to opponent’s ball grid to pick up stationary balls and solo back to their own den as shown Two teams ( Yellow and Blue) aim to run to opponent’s ball grid to pick up stationary balls and solo back to their own den as shown Opponents may challenge opposition from picking balls up Opponents may challenge opposition from picking balls up See which team can retrieve all the balls from their opponent’s grid See which team can retrieve all the balls from their opponent’s gridVariation: Pick It If You Can 2 Teams of 5/6 Aside play against each other in a large grid 15m x 15m 2 Teams of 5/6 Aside play against each other in a large grid 15m x 15m 6/8 balls are placed at random about the play area 6/8 balls are placed at random about the play area On signal one team attempts to pick ball up while the other prevent them On signal one team attempts to pick ball up while the other prevent them See which team can achieve the most pick ups in a set time See which team can achieve the most pick ups in a set timeVariation: Repeat above but players must mark each other Repeat above but players must mark each other Pick & Drop & Pick It If You Can 2 Den Pick and Drop Game 1 Den 4 Zones Key Focus: Scanning On & Off the ball

3. 3 Equipment: 10/15 Cones, Domes to mark out 5 Zones, 10 footballs Layout: 3 Teams x 4/5 Aside Nos. 1 to 3 Large rectangle with 5 zones Place 10/15 cones in middle zone - 5m x 15m for players in two outer zones to aim at Leave next 2 zones 10m x 15m as No Man’s Land 2 Teams Nos. 1 & 2 go to outer zones with 5 balls each Team 3 remains out side the middle zone to count and replace the knocked down cones Change roles after 1 min. i.e. Team 1 go to middle zone, while Team 3 go to outer zone etc. Use different foot after each change 1 point is scored for each cone knocked down Key points: This is an excellent game for encouraging players to use a ‘Hard Foot’ i.e. top of lace for kicking with power. Cone Target Ball Game 2 Key Focus: Kicking with A ‘HARD FOOT’

4. Layout: Large Grid 15m v 15m Each child has a ball Organisation: All the players dribble about a large grid As they dribble they attempt to strike away any balls close to them Players try and protect balls by using their bodies as shields to screen the ball. Score: Give all players 5 Points to begin. They lose a point every time they are dispossessed and gain one every time they hit a ball away. Winner: The player with the most points at the end of a set time e.g. 2 minutes Variation: Have 3 – 4 players without a ball who attempt to gain possession Players who lose a ball must attempt to gain possession of another ball Which player can keep possession the longest without loosing their ball? Strike Away: 4 Game 3 Key Focus: Close control & ‘Shielding’ a Ball

5. 5 Layout: 5/6 Numbered players stand in a circle formation Every other player has a ball. The rest help to retrieve loose balls The aim is for No. 1 to start inside the circle and move around attempting to block - foot/bounced ball and punt kicks (Depending on skill level) from those players with the ball No. 2 begins as No. 1 has made 3 blocks Start with first player again but go the other way as you block Tip: Demand that those kicking the balls do so gently initially in order to help the ‘blockers’ block the balls. Variation: Have 6/8 players in 2 lanes 5m apart and between each other, zig zag style facing each other in front of goals with a ball each ‘Blockers’ one at a time move down the line blocking each ball in turn The final player, about 10m from goals, in the line aims to score a goal while the Blocker dives to block Block Around The Clock K K K K K Blocker K K K K K Game 4 Key Focus: Blocking a Ball

6. Equipment: 6 poles, 4/6 medium size balls, Two cones How to Play? One player G1 acts as a goal keeper and stands between three cones 4/6 m apart. Three other players stand between ‘gates’ (two poles 3/5 m apart) with a ball each. They aim to score by playing the ball past the 2 cones on their side etc. The ‘Gates should be 10/15m from the goalie and opposite each side of the triangle. One other player stands behind these players and act as Retrievers. The Strikers are numbered 1, 2, and 3. The coach calls out the numbers to the Strikers i.e. ‘2’, ‘1’ etc. When their number is called they strike for goal i.e. attempt to play the ball through their goals i.e. the side of the triangle opposite them etc. Variation: The strikers may roll, kick or strike the ball depending on skill level. The game can be made more challenging by moving the goalie’s goal further away from the ‘gates’ or making the goals and ‘gates’ smaller. Scoring: The goalie scores by striking the ball through the appropriate ‘gate’ opposite. The Strikers may score by hitting the ball past the goalie. Key Points: Goalie – React quickly to the call by keeping on your toes at all times. Get your feet behind the ball. Kickers – Watch the ball when kicking. Decide where you hope to kick the ball. GATES Coach calls out Nos. Retriever Key Focus: Goalkeeping Skills Quick Reactions STRIKE 1,2, 3 Game 5

7. Goal Make 3 circles with a radius of 30/20/10m Place one defender (Black) inside smallest circle and 4 in outside circle. These players must remain in their own circles Place 4 attackers (Red) around inside circle and the same on the very outside The 4 inside attackers must stay in their own circle while the 4 outside attackers must remain outside the outside circle The aim is to play the ball either past the inside defenders to another attacker or to one of your attackers on the outside by passing to the outside defenders This game develops spatial awareness as the player on the ball must decide which is the best passing option at all times by not only scanning near but far i.e. outside players if inside attackers are marked Attackers must constantly move into better receiving positions depending on the defensive position of the defenders Defenders must be aware of their attackers at all times depending on the player with the ball The outside defenders must work as a team to defend the outside attackers Make up your own scoring system 10m 20m 30m Triple Circle Pass ball Key Focus: Scanning On & Off the ball 7 Game 6

8. 8 Key Focus: Punting For Accuracy Goal FindanotherGoal FindanotherGoal 10 Players in pairs in grid 30m x 20m Each pair sets out two cones (same colour), 2m apart Punt/strike ball to each other through goal-cones Move and repeat around five sets of goals to finish When a ball is passed through one goal the receiver solos off to another and passes through, the receiver must anticipate which goal the ball carrier is going to and be ready to receive the pass Who can score 5 Goals first? Pick two players to act as goalkeepers. They move and block goals, the other players must find the free goals to make a score. Modification - Cross Fire One player from each pair moves outside the grid and returns passes to their partner inside the grid through the goals (make them wider if needed) Change roles after a set time Use both feet or strike from both sides in above games Find a Goal Game 7

9. HOW TO PLAY: Start with 5 players in each area Use an area approx. 15m x 15m or bigger for hurling 4 attackers stay outside the area, 1 defender inside the area Change the defender every 30 seconds move along the line Attackers must move along the line to make an angle for the passer to complete their pass play 5 consecutive punt/strike passes Players should play 5 consecutive punt/strike passes to score 1 point (Bigger grid – 30m x 20m) Exercise 2: Modification: Introduce another defender to the grid Introduce another attacker to the grid Coach nearest defender to pressurise the ball while the other defender anticipates the pass Progress to having all the players inside the grid – 4 v 2 etc. Ten Passes Or 30 sec. in middle Defender Attacker Key Focus: Passing – Lateral support on the ball and the angle of the pass. and the angle of the pass. ROTATE THE DEFENDER 9 Game 8

10. 10 Layout: Mark out grid 15m x 8m with 4 cones as shown 2 sets of bibs – 4 blue & 4 White Organisation: 4 Pairs line up as shown -2 Blue pairs & 2 White pairs Two attackers (blue) attempt to evade two defenders (white) using the ‘roll’ going towards red cones. Next 2 white players who receive the ball from blue after passing line take on the same 2 Blue players going towards the yellow cones. The 2 Attacking White players ‘Roll’ the 2 defending Blue players and pass to the 2 waiting Blue players and remain to defend etc. Score by soloing the ball over the end line Winner: The pair with the most points in a set time e.g. 2 mins. Attackers must use the Roll to evade the defenders and must execute at least one roll before crossing the end line If too challenging for the attackers create a 3v2 situation etc. Encourage support players to take the ball off the ‘Roller’s’ shoulder Variation: Add a goalie for attackers to shoot past after ‘rolling’ their opponents. 2 Man Roll Over Game 9 Key Focus: Using the Roll to evade opponents

11. 2 Teams play against each other The defending team (Blue) with an extra player aim to score by hand/fist passing and then soloing the ball through either goals formed by two sets of cones as shown 20/30m from the end line If successful the extra player, waiting behind the goals, plays for the attackers and attacks the defender’s goal who must retreat immediately after scoring If either team loose possession on the way out or in they change roles Variation: 1 Coach plays high ball in and which ever team wins possession must work the ball out past the goals before they may begin an attack. Variation 2: Attacking team must work the ball in near the goals and then back out again before they are permitted to attempt a score. Whose Attacking Whose Defending 11 Goals Extra Player Game 10 Key Focus: Changing from offensive mode to defensive mode quickly under match conditions.

12. 12 HOW TO PLAY: 20m x 30m pitch. 4/5 players per team 1 football in the game – develop to 2 5/6m wide barrier - two rows of cones or domes across the middle step in the road No player can step in the road Kick Kick the ball into the opposition’s grid touches the ground Score if the ball touches the ground free spaces Defend the free spaces when not in possession. Variation: 1 Scout Ball: One player from each team goes to opposite court and acts as a ‘scout’ i.e. your team attempts to punt the ball over to her/him Score: 2 Points if the ‘Scout’ catches and 1 Point if it hits the ground Variation 2: Prisoner Ball; One team gets a ‘Prisoner’ over to their side if they hit the ground Winner – All players to your side The Road 5 min each way Key Focus: Deciding who Catches Deciding who Catches & where to kick Punt Volleyball Game 11

13. HOW TO PLAY 20m x 30m pitch 5 players per team 3 V 2 in each grid (2 Attackers & 3 Defenders) 3/5 m wide ‘road’ - two rows of cones across the middle Aim – To throw, hand/fist, kick or strike a ball over the ‘road’ to one of your team mates No player can step on the road compete for the ball Teams in grids compete for the ball attackers receives a pass Score earned when either one of these attackers receives a pass from across the road and shoot the ball through the 2 sets of goals on the back grid. Variation: Players who receive the ball must solo through the goals and may then keep possession and start the next attack The next attack must involve one pass only before the ball is passed over the road to the next grid The Road Key Focus: Switch Play, Attack and Defending skills Make the catch give the pass GOAL PASS & ATTACK 13 Game 12

14. 14 HOW TO PLAY: 20m x 30m pitch 5 players per team 2 Defenders V 3 Attackers in each grid 4/8m wide road - two rows of cones across the middle Aim – To pass ball/sliotar to midfield zone to attempt to set up attack for a shot on goal Allow a minimum number of passes before ball reaches midfield e.g. 5 Attackers should always try and use their extra player to create an overlap The attacker with the ball soloing into midfield is the only player allowed in this zone Scoring: A set number of passes e.g. 5 or pass the ball through either goals on end line Have goalkeepers to score against Variation: Limit players in possession only one or two passes before they get the ball to midfield Two players must be in the middle before the ball may be played to the next zone The Road Key Focus: Mid field set up, Penetration, Offensive and Defensive Skills Last player in PossessionPenetrates GOAL Mid Field Set Up Game 13

15. Goal Goal Goal Goal HOW TO PLAY: 2 teams of 4 players 2 teams of 4 players in a square with 4 goals (red and blue) Area 30m x 40m (Bigger for Striking) in either of the two oppositions’ Score in either of the two oppositions’ goals Or coach may choose a goals to score into when a team is on the attack restart with If the ball goes out restart with a sideline kick or side line cut. score is made When a score is made, give the ball to the other team who start with a kick/strike out No goalkeepers in this game Ball is straight back into play after the score is taken (Keep a ball behind each of the goals) use of weak side Focus on use of weak side Variation 1: Pass the Midfield Mark out centre zone for players to play around ( This encourages wing play i.e. width in mid field) Mark out centre zone for players to play around ( This encourages wing play i.e. width in mid field) Variation 2: Through the Midfield Ball must be played through the middle (This encourages penetration through the middle) Ball must be played through the middle (This encourages penetration through the middle) Key Focus: Switching Play Working the Score 30m 40m Keep a Ball behind each of the Goals OPPOSITE CORNERS 15 Game 14

16. HOW TO PLAY: Two Teams of 6 1 goalkeeper, 1 midfield, 2 defenders and 2 player (blue) Attackers per team. Extra player (blue) LINKING Team in possession scores by LINKING through the extra player (blue) through the extra player (blue) each time Players must remain in own zones except the Link player used at least once Player must be used at least once during the attack plays for the team in possession Player plays for the team in possession but s/he cannot score different coloured bib Put a different coloured bib on player for recognition Change the link Change the link player frequently. Variation: The link player may move into the attacking zone to create the extra player One or more of the defenders for the team in possession must move forward into the Attacking zone to register a score Key Focus: Link Play CENTRAL LINK Extra player Link player In each attack Game 15

17. 17 HOW TO PLAY (A) in end zone (Inside the black line/domes). must stay in goalA’ receives 1 goalkeeper, 1 attacking player (A) in end zone (Inside the black line/domes). Goalkeeper must stay in goal until ‘A’ receives the ball ‘A’ cannot come outside ‘A’ cannot come outside the black line 4 v 4 between the black lines A’s receivemiddle zone support them. When A’s receive the ball, players in the middle zone support them. played out again by A Ball must be played out again by A to support players for a score Could give extra points if score is taken with weaker foot Variation 1: Ball must be played in with first time pass (This encourages players to look up and use the ‘early’ ball into their forwards) Variation 2: Have an extra defender marking the A player and play high balls into them The ball must be ‘broken’ out to the in rushing attackers Key Focus: Support, Penetration, Depth 5m End Zone Target Player Unopposed 5m A A DOUBLE BACK Game 16

18. Age group: 8+ Equipment:2 Sets of bibs, Cones to mark out grids 30m x 20m Layout: 2 Teams of 10, split into 2 Teams of 5 each Nos. them 1 & 2 Yellow & 1 & 2 Blue Nos. Players in teams 1 to 5 When a player’s number is called e.g. 1’s from both sets of teams play against each other 2 Numbers may be called at a time Uneven team numbers could be called given one team a numeric advantage e.g. ‘Yellow 2.3, & 4’ v ‘Blue 2 & 5’ etc. Variation: 1 Add goals at either end for players to score 54325432 54325432 23452345 23452345 11 1 1 Game 17 Key Focus: Keeping Focused, Reactions Your Number’s Up

19. Mark out a grid with 3 zones as shown. Place 4 small scoring areas in the corners. Select 3 Teams – red, blue & white Two teams ( blue and white) play 3 a-side against each other while red defends the middle zone Blue play one way and white the other into opposing grids When white crosses the middle zone they play 3 v 3 on the blue Each member of the team in possession must solo three times before they pass There aim is to solo through the middle zone and score in the end zones (corners) A goal is scored by a player soloing into their scoring grid – they retreat to their own half. The other team then take possession and start a new attack in the opposite direction Play each game for 3 minutes and then change roles Which team can score the most goals ? Variation: Allow one member of the team in the middle to defend from any where Only two attacking players are allowed to pass the middle zone Zone Solo 19 Game 18 Key Focus: Soloing Under pressure Blue White

20. Layout: Set up 3/4 small grids 10m x 5m with a 3m space between each in front of goals. The long thin grids allow the defenders a chance of chasing their opponents to execute the N.H.T. (Near Hand Tackle). Organisation: Place a defender in each grid. They must remain in their own grid. Have extra defenders ready to come in after a set number of attacks. 3/4 Attackers each with a ball attempt to solo, one at a time, through the grids and finish with a shot on goal. The defenders start at the front of the grid and must use a N.H.T. as they chase their opponent Change roles after a set time. Scoring: Defenders score 1 point for every successful tackle. Winner: Most points scored in a set time e.g. 3 mins. Variation: Have two defenders in each grid if attackers are very skilled All grids are empty as a defender chases an attacker through the grids to see which if any grid s/he can make a NHT. S/he gains 3 Points if the tackle is made in the first grid etc. Tackle Alley: 20 Game 19 Key Focus: How & When To Tackle

21. 21 Aim: 2 Attackers (Blue) on a signal aim to attack the goals soloing through the yellow cones past the red defender Red defender defends the middle set of yellow cones The two red defenders at the red cones, chase the 2 blue attackers as soon as they set off from dotted line The two red defenders at the red cones move as soon as the attackers pass the defender at the yellow cones All tackles must be made with the near hand on the ball Change roles after a set time i.e. the attackers move to the defending stations A while the defenders move to the attacking position on the dotted line Attackers who break through shoot on goal Have an extra goalie to take over after a set time Variation 1: Allow the red defenders to move as soon as the attackers or blue team move with the ball Variation 2: Place extra defenders at B to challenge as they break Through. These act as ‘cover’ defenders. Chase The Hound: A BB Game 20 Key Focus: How & When To Tackle Defenders

22. 22 Mark out a large rectangle 50m x 20m with 5 separate zones each 10m long Two sets of Mid Fielders contest high balls played into the middle zone by 2 players in the outside zones. Score: 2 pts. For a ‘clean’ catch and 1 pt. for a ‘broken’ ball Play for a set time e.g. 1 min. and change roles The two Mid Fielders must work as a unit i.e. decide which player goes for the high catch and which player anticipates the ‘broken’ ball Variation: Place 2 Players (1 playing for either set of Mid Fielders) in Zones 2 & 4 who move to compete for the ‘Broken’ ball Make players who win possession play into a goals at either end of the zones. Mid Field Build Up 2 ‘Feeders’ Feeders’ Game 21 Key Focus: Competing for ‘Broken’ ball Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 2 Zone 1 Midfield Zone 4 Players

23. 23 HOW TO PLAY: Teams of 4 – 3 Attackers (Raiders) & 1 Defender Nos. Teams 1, 2 etc. and go to start area as shown Defenders go to side of mid field Aim – Defender from Team 1 goes to Zone 1 while his/her 3 Attacking team mates start behind end line On signal the Attackers attempt to by pass the defender and move into Zone 2, go around the cone and attack Zone 3 and 4 as shown If the defender intercepts she/he returns the ball and moves back to defend Zone 2, Zone 3 etc. before returning to side line If he fails to gain possession in Zone 1 he may move back to defend in Zone 2 etc. As soon as Team 1 has rounded the cone, Team 2 begin with the Defender from Team 2 moving into Zone 1 etc. Scoring: Teams score 1 Point for successfully passing through each of the zones. Defenders may also score 1 Point every time they intercept the ball in a zone. Variation: Place a defender in each zone Zone 1 Zone 2Zone 3 Zone 4 Team 2 Etc. START AREA DEFENDERSDEFENDERS ATTACK Key Focus Penetration & Support Game 22 BORDER RAIDERS

24. 3/4 Players attempt to pass the ball from one End Zone to another by passing it around a middle zone 2/3 defenders defend their play area Start with 3 Teams -2 at one end and another team at the other end The aim is for the first team to use hand/fist passes and body catches to move the ball from one End Zone to the opposite The ball is not allowed to be passed through the middle zone If the defenders intercept the ball they must return it to the attacking team When they get to the other end the resting team start the sequence again Teams have 2/3 minutes to score as many points as possible i.e. a point is scored for successfully playing the ball from one zone to the other without losing possession Defenders gain points for every interception which may be added on to their overall score at the end etc. Challenge the attackers by having the same number of defenders. Variation: The ball must be played through the middle for a score 24 Game 23 By Pass Midfield End Zone

25. Two teams of 4/5 Aside play against each other One player from each team acts as the Captain and goes to a small box (3m x 3m) at either end of the rectangular playing area (30m x 20m) The aim is to pass the ball to their respective Captains who must return the ball to the opposition after a score Normal Gaelic rules apply Restrict to scores on own half only Limit the number of passes before attempting a score Captain Ball 25 Game 24

26. 26 Mark out a large zone 60m x 20m with 3 equal zones Two teams 3 v 3 aim to solo the ball past their opposite end line The team in possession must keep possession of the ball for 10 seconds in their defending zone, 7 seconds in their middle zone and 5 seconds in their attacking zone before crossing their end line for a score If a team regains possession of the ball in their attacking or middle zone they must first solo back to their defending zone before they may start the game Variation: When a team gets to their attacking zone they may go for a score after a set number of passes. This game encourages players to play ‘Keep Ball’ in their defending zone, ‘Set Up Ball’ in their middle zone and ‘Score Ball’ in their attacking zone. 10-7-5 Second Game 10 second Zone 7 second Zone 5 second Zone Game 25

27. Layout: Use a small pitch with the small portable goals e.g. 45m x 40m. 2 Uneven Teams e.g. 5 v 2/3: 5 Players with coloured tops play against an unequal number for a set time i.e. 3 mins. This makes it easier for one team to get plenty of shooting action. Have a good supply of balls behind either goals Aim is to shoot as soon as you have possession or one hand pass only to get the scorer into a favourable position Less skilled players may be permitted one solo or bounce before shooting Have extra balls at the side of the goals to keep the game in action Allow the other team an even number after a set time i.e. 3 mins. Variation: The ball must be played inside a specific line e.g. 15/20m from goals and then played back out again before a shot on goal may be attempted Fun Game: Shoot On Sight: Shoot on Sight - Players Resting Retrieve Balls 27 Game 26

28. 28 HOW TO PLAY: Size of Pitch: 40m x 30m 1 goalkeeper, 2 defenders and 2 attackers per team Players (Wide Men) run the channels 2 Extra Players (Wide Men) run the channels on the wings cannot be tackled Players in channel cannot be tackled used at least once in the attack ‘Wide Man’ must be used at least once in the attack returns the ball to the team who passed Player in the channel returns the ball to the team who passed into the channel Teams score per normal into oppositions goals. Variation: One ‘Wide Man’ plays for one team only The ‘Wide Man’ must play a long diagonal ball to encourage width in attack and defence Key Focus: Creating Width WIDE MAN Game 27