How it works
- Who starts
- Everyone at once, each with their own ball.
- Who takes part
- The whole group, each child with a ball.
- What the ball does
- Each child dribbles their own (two examples in the drawing) and, on the signal, lifts it with a touch and catches it.
- How to score
- No scoring; you can count who catches it without letting it drop.
- When it ends
- After 2-3 minutes of play.
- How it restarts
- After catching it, put it on the ground and carry on.
- How players rotate
- There is no rotation of positions.
Number of players
8-15 players
Format
individual
Recommended
2 × 5 min
Rest 30s · Low intensity
Space
Small-sided space
Space
20×20 m
Goal
Dribble with your head up and react to a signal with a controlled touch.
Description
Each child dribbles their own ball freely around a 20x20 m square. When the coach shouts «Sky!», they flick the ball up with a gentle touch of the toe and catch it with their hands; they put it back on the ground and keep dribbling. Good for a warm-up with the ball, for improving touch and for reacting to a signal.
Step by step
- 1
Each child dribbles their ball around the square.
- 2
On the signal «Sky!», a gentle touch with the toe to lift it and catch it.
Rules
Everyone has a ball. Dribble freely without bumping into anyone. On the signal «Sky!», a gentle touch to lift the ball and catch it with your hands. Then keep dribbling.
Equipment
- 1 ball per child
- 4 cones
Physical focus
Recommended times by goal
- Technical: 2 × 4' · rest 0'30" · Low intensityOrientativo: calentamiento
Rotation and restart
There is no rotation of positions: everyone plays at the same time.
Coaching points
- Soft contact with the instep or the toe.
- Head up so you do not bump into anyone.
- React quickly to the word.
Common mistakes
Hitting it hard so the ball runs away.
How to correct: A soft touch underneath the ball.
Dribbling while looking only at the ball and bumping into people.
How to correct: Look up every few touches.
Questions for the players
- “How hard do you touch it so that it goes up but does not run away?”
Levels
- A · easyOn the signal, just touch the ball with your hand.
- B · standardAs described.
- C · advancedLift the ball and control it with your foot instead of catching it.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 5 fewer: A 15x15 m square.
- With 5 more: A 25x25 m square.
- With odd numbers: It does not matter: it is individual.
Age
Variations
- More words. «Ground!» to stop it with the sole and «Sky!» to lift it.
- Other foot. Lift the ball with the weaker foot.