Knock Down The Flags (Age Level – All Ages)
Drill Purpose
Knock Down The Flags is a game that involves full participation from offensive and defensive players. Defensive players practice defensive skills while protecting the flags and also practice supporting the attack. Offensive players practice accurate low shooting.
Instructions
1. On one side of the 50 set up four flags about 3 yards apart on either side of the field. Each “team” consists of 3 offensive players and 2 defensive players.
2. The object of the game is to knock over the opponent’s 4 flags (or cones). Each team uses 2 defensive players to protect their flags while the other three players attack the opposition’s flags. When the ball is on the opposing half of the field, the defenders act as support players for the attack.
3. The three offensive players on each team are the only players permitted to knock over the flags.
Points of Emphasis
Knock Down The Flags is a game that requires sharp, accurate passes and good communication amongst the defenders. Players like it because it’s simple and goal oriented. During a Knock Down The Flags match, instruct players to…
- communicate as much as they can to support their teammates.
- encourage defenders to join the flow of the attack as much as possible.
- defenders should go after an offender with a ball and not be standing in front of a flag for a long period of time.
Progression
As players gain an understanding of the game, further variations include:
1. Adding more flags which extends a game longer
2. Using more defenders than offensive players to encourage more
communication amongst the attacking players.
3. Adding pressure by setting time limits as to when 1, 2, or 3 flags should be
knocked down.
Motivation / Teaching Tips
Tip #1 – This drill is a great way to develop chemistry amongst
teammates and they can quickly learn each other’s tendencies.
Tip #2 – Slow the game down or speed it up. Stress that varying
speeds are a great way to deceive an opponent.
Tip #3 – Encourage players to be creative and use each other for
support as much as possible.
3 Responses to “Knock Down The Flags (Age Level – All Ages)”
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Thank you so much for this one. It’s the first time i’ve ever seen a drill like this. This should make my players more attentive and focused on the drill.
How is this suppose to work with 7 players at the age of 6
Hi Lindy,
Knock Down The Flags is a great introductory drill for 6 year olds. It goes a long way to teach them the difference between offensive and defensive responsibilities while they’re having fun trying to knock over the other team’s flags. If you’re team is composed of a total of 7 players, this drill might be a little difficult to conduct as it’s best to use 10 (5 on each team). The idea is for players to learn offensive teamwork and defensive support roles when supporting the offense and then getting back quickly on defense. If 7 players is all that you have to work with divide them up (4 vs. 3) and play a small sided simulated game with 1 cone (or flag) only for each side.