I’m currently coaching two teams right now. A ‘Premier’ group or very strong group of U11 Boys, and a select group of U10 girls. We’re in pre-season training through July and are practicing on a Saturday morning (when it’s still bearable outside).
Trying to find fun games for both groups of players can be a challenge. We still want them to be challenged physically and mentally, but want them to have fun as well. This is where GABOO comes in.
Organization
You need to divide your team into two groups, and then split them in pairs between the group. They will line up about 10 yards apart with a coach in between them with a bunch of soccer balls. You will need two goals for this. The coach will throw the ball in and pairs from each side will challenge for the ball and play against each other. However, this is no ordinary 2v2, they have to follow the GABOO rules.
G – Ball has to cross the goal-line on the ground.
A – Ball has to cross the goal-line in the air.
B – Goal has to be scored backwards (backheel works)
O – Off a pass (think wall passes and one-two’s)
O – Own choice!
The first team to get to the final O are the winners!
I really like this game because it demands that the players are creative, use different techniques and surfaces to score a goal, and need to work as a team. You’ll find that the pairings who work together often have the best success at this game.
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