Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Hungry Hippos

Description

Kids should be familiar with the game Hungry Hippos, where they have to get the hippos to munch all the balls. This game is a similar concept that also introduces teamwork, as well as dribbling and awareness.

• Equipment and Setup
• Played within a large space, not necessarily within an area
• 3-4 zones spread equally apart from each other
• 3-5 per team
• A group of balls in the middle of the playing area (ideally equal to or more than the amount of players)

At the coach's command, the players from all teams go into the middle and dribble the ball back to their own zone and control it. From there, the player can find another ball in the middle, or if they're all gone, they're allowed to go to another zone and 'steal' from an opponent's zone and dribble it back to their own zone.

The game continues for one minute and the winning team is the one with the most balls in their zone

Rules

Balls should be in the zone and not outside for it to count at the end

Players can ONLY dribble, they can't kick balls out of other zones

Players cannot guard a zone or the balls

No tackling - unless the players are adept and they are allowed to poke the ball away from opposing players

Players can use teamwork to communicate where the balls are to teammates. If they want to pass the ball to other teammates they can. You can encourage the players to encourage and promote positivity to other teammates and also use sportsmanship.

In the context of the game

Both teamwork, awareness, and dribbling are used in the game of soccer, but also competitiveness can come to the fore in this game.

Younger players might not be as competitive, but that's okay - as long as they're having fun and trying hard. Others may be overly competitive - this game is good to coach sportsmanship and being able to handle losing and winning with respect.

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