"I knew I was better at football than the others in the playground, although the teachers just looked at my size and that was against me from the start..."
: 2v2 Plus 2v2 Plus 2 balls
The Pairs Game with 2 balls
- Two Pitch Organisers on the side line, one on each side
- 2 v 2 in each half of the pitch (2 defenders, 2 attackers) At half time the attackers become defenders and the defenders become attackers
- Every time one of the balls goes out of play, the players have to look at where the Pitch Organisers is throwing the ball back into play (the players do not take kick ins or throw ins)
- Every time a goal is scored, the players have to go back to the end line, and wait until the Pitch Organisers roll a new ball into each half
- There are always 2 balls in play (it may be that on one half there is 2 v 2 with 2 balls!)
General rules
- Pitch 25 x 15 yards depending if it is 4v4, 5v5 or 6v6
- Playing time 10 min
- Plenty of balls
- Kids referee themselves
- If there are more than eight players available try to fit in the other players e.g. 5v5 or 5v6 (not more than 6v6, it is better to play 4v4 and 3v3 instead of 7 v7)
- Keep the score visible to the children, e.g. put up a cone on their side every time they score
- Pitch Organisers must be enthusiastic and not criticise the children, remember it is their game
Alternatives
- More goals (three on each line)
- Only Cones instead of goals
- More players…3v3 and 3v3 etc
- Goals on the end line and side line (6+