This is a gret way of getting the players moving and supporting each other. We tend to use this one in two ways, using either hands to throw the ball to each other or feet to pass it. Both work very well. We commonly start with throwing, move onto passing and then on to Line Football as described in the Conditioned Games section of the site.

Mark out a rectangular play area. The size can vary depending on what you want to work on. We use very tight areas if we are working on close control and speed of thought and passing, or larger areas when we are working on space and spreading play.

Pick two teams. The object of the drill is simply for each team to keep the ball for as long as possible.

Things to watch:

• Movement off the ball
• Creating options for the player with the ball
• Getting a picture of what is available before receiving the ball so the ball can be moved quickly
• Quick defensive closedown of the player with the ball