Square Pegs
Objective:
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To improve ball control (also known as "touch").
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To practice and develop carefully weighted passes.
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Target:
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To win each "round" and to try to get to (or to stay at) King's Court.
Organization
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Using markers/grids, organize six-yard squares six yards apart.
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One player passes to partner in opposite square.
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Organize squares to accommodate all players. If odd number, coach joins in.
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For pass to count as "accurate" it must be along the ground and would pass out over the back line if the receiver let the ball run.
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Start with maximum of three touches (one to control, one to set up the pass and the third to pass.
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When they become better make it two touch.
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Use the King's Court game system to make it a fun challenge for the players (see King's Court). 3- to 4-minute rounds.
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Adjust size and distance of areas to ability of players.
Teaching
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To make it more difficult for your partner/opponent play the pass onto his/her weak foot.
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A hard pass will make it more difficult to receive, but may be less accurate.
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Receiver must be very alert and quickly moving into the line of the ball to improve chances of control.
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Progressions
U11 Progressions
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Stand-alone activity for U11, which is progressed in U12 Lesson Plans with Square Pegs – Chipping.
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By extending the distances and adjusting the squares can produce longer passes and/or lofted passes.
