There's probably dozens of variations of the pirate game, but my particular version involves a fairly confined space (about a 5 yard x 5 yard box) where 4 players try to keep their ball in the square and 2 "pirates" try to get the balls out of the square. I tried this game at the start of last year's U5 season and got only cries of agony as kids complained that the other player had kicked their ball away. A year later, they just can't get enough of it.
Now a variation I added is that the pirates have to dribble the ball out of the box, not just kick it. This is an important variation. It makes it easier for the dribblers to maintain possession and work on those skills. If the ball is instantly kicked into oblivion, the 1 v 1 engagement time is very limited. Also, it encourages the kids to actually win the ball rather than just kick it out of bounds. Keep an eye out for fouls like kicks in the ankle. This type of reckless kicking should not be permitted. Also, when a player has his ball dribbled out of the box or kicks it out himself, he's out of the game (which is usually over within a minute anyway), but he should practice his pull backs and other moves on the side so he can do better next time.
The games are over quickly and we restart by letting the last 2 dribblers remaining become the next 2 pirates. The coach can conveniently misremember which kids were last to make sure all the kids get to be pirates.
-Bill
Coaching tips for young soccer teams and a few bits of news from Breakaway Fashions. Update: Our new blog is on our new website at: COACHING VERY YOUNG PLAYERS
Hey, just stumbled across your blog and I'm loving it. I coach a U8 recreation league team and the Pirate Game (or Monster as we know it) is the kids absolute favorite. I use it as a reward for all their hard work at the end of each practice. I really like the idea of having the monsters win the ball and dribble it out ~ I will start incorporating that into my version.
ReplyDeleteThank for you for the comments, Jay. Another one the kids love is a game we call Sharks and Minnows. I go ahead and let them just kick it out in that game, so it's not as good at emphasizing "winning the ball", but they do love it.
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