The Human Chain Exercise

Setup

You will require: 20 cones / 2 sets of bibs, Mark out a 15 x 20 area, Place an 4 meter wide gate on each end line as the "goal", Split players into two teams, Give each player on Team A a number (1/2/3…) and give the same numbers to Team B so players know their opposite

How it works

Each team holds onto a bib or each other’s hand/arm to form a “linked wall” in front of their goal, They must stay linked at all times unless called out to play, Coach calls out one or two numbers, Players with those numbers play a 1v1 or 2v2 when coach rolls a ball into the center, Remaining players stay linked and protect their gate by shuffling side to side together

Coaching points

• Balance
• Cover support
• Compact shape
• Slow down attacker

Progressions

progression: Make the grid a bit larger or the gates wider to challenge the defenders, Regression: Make the gate a little smaller so defenders have less space to cover