Recovery Youth Movement Games

Objective

• -Develop coordination and agility through games
• -Build fitness without adult conditioning work
• -Keep every player smiling and moving

Setup

1. 1An open square with coloured cones on the corners in a 24 x 24 yards area.
2. 2Mark a wide, calm walking loop around the working area.
3. 3A ball each and plenty of spare cones.

How to play

1. 1Play tag, follow-the-leader and shadow games inside the square.
2. 2Every game finishes with a dribbling lap of the square.
3. 3Keep rounds short and change the game often.
4. 4Players move at conversation pace throughout — no sprinting at all.
5. 5No score. Finish with the group in a circle for feedback.

Progressions

• +Add a light ball rolling element
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Shorten the loop and finish seated
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach uses the loop for one-to-one chats
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Long runs with no ball
• -Adult conditioning drills for young players
• -Turning a cool down into another competition