Objective
Hospital Tag combines fun with skill development, reinforcing dribbling techniques in a lively, competitive setting. This drill keeps young players engaged while challenging them to maintain control of the ball under pressure. The focus is on improving dribbling accuracy and agility in a dynamic environment.
Equipment Needed
Setup
- Use cones to create a small rectangular or square area appropriate for the number of players (e.g., 20x20 yards for about ten players)
- Each player starts inside the grid with a soccer ball.
Instructions
- In the grid, players dribble around and play a modified version of tag while avoiding getting "injured" while dribbling.
- If they get tagged, they need to place one hand on the spot where they were tagged (this is their "injury").
- If they are tagged again, they place their other hand on the new "injury" spot.
- If they get tagged a third time, they are too "injured" to continue and must see the "doctor," the coach. They can get back in after doing toe-taps or foundation touches. After the player has performed their skill, the coach says, “You're healed!”
- The healed player rejoins the game of tag.
Coaching Points
- Holding their arms will focus on balance without using their arms.
- Encourage players to keep their heads up while dribbling to see where the taggers are.
- Remind players to use both feet while dribbling to improve control.
- Focus on dribbling with close control and quick changes of direction to avoid being tagged.
Variations
- N/A
