Late Runner: 2-on-2 Plus One
Waves of 2-on-2 toward a small goal in which a third offensive player sprints in from behind a few seconds later to create an advantage. Students practice support from a trailing position, drawing a defender, and reading the right moment to pass.
How to play
- Make 4 groups of 6 (one of 7) and set up 4 lanes of 20 x 10 m with a small goal at the end; use cones to mark the start line and a line 6 m in front of it.
- In each lane, 2 defenders wait on the 6 m line and 2 offensive players start from the start line with the ball, passing with their hands.
- When the offense crosses the 6 m line, the teacher or a student claps and a third offensive player sprints in from behind.
- The offense has 10 seconds to score with a throw from outside a 3 m crease; the trailing runner may receive and shoot.
- After each wave, rotate: offense moves to defense, defense goes to the line, and the line attacks. Run about 12 waves per group.
- Count goals scored by the trailing runner and ask when it made sense to pass to that player.
Rules
- Defenders may not leave before the clap.
- No contact: defenders step in front without pushing.
- Shots on goal stay below waist height.
- The next wave does not start until the previous one has cleared the lane.
Variations
Easier
Give the offense 15 seconds and have one defender keep both hands behind their back.
Standard
Run waves of 2-on-2 plus one trailing runner on offense.
Harder
A third defender also enters from behind 2 seconds after the trailing runner.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is an offensive player waiting in a side zone near the goal who receives without a defender.
- Hearing impairment: replace the clap with lowering a raised cone.
- Fitness level: students who tire can sit out one extra wave in line; skilled players must shoot with their non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Support the attack by arriving from a trailing position at the right time.
- Draw a defender with the ball to free up a teammate.
- Decide when to pass to the teammate who creates the advantage.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 24
- soft balls: 4
- pinnies: 8
- small goals: 4
Teacher tip
The first two attackers often shoot right away and forget the trailing runner; make that runner's goals worth double for the first rounds. Keep lanes well apart to avoid collisions.
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