Tail Tag in Pairs
Each player tucks a bib into the back of the shorts. In pairs, players try to steal their partner's bib while protecting their own. Fast changes of direction in a fun format.
- Age
- U7–U16
- Players
- 6–24
- Duration
- 8 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 20 × 15 m
- Type
- Physical
- Approach
- Intermediate
- Format
- Football-adapted game
- Objectives
- Physical: Speed, Agility
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Run without ball
- Cone
A game that produces many short accelerations, stops and turns without the players noticing they are doing speed work. It also trains balance and body control. Keep rounds short so players stay fast.
Objective
Develop reaction, acceleration and changes of direction through a chasing game.
Organisation
- Area of 20 × 15 m. Each player has a bib tucked into the back of the shorts, hanging like a tail.
- Players paired up anywhere in the area.
How it works
- On the whistle, each player tries to take the partner's tail and keep their own.
- A stolen tail is a point; give it back and play on.
- Rounds of 30 seconds, 30 seconds rest, 6 rounds. Change partner every round.
Coaching points
- Stay low with knees bent so you can turn quickly.
- Protect your tail by turning your body, not by holding it.
- Use short, quick steps to change direction.
Progressions
- Everyone against everyone: collect as many tails as possible.
- Players dribble a ball while playing.
Regressions
- Bigger area so there is more space to escape.
Variations
- Teams: one team has tails, the other chases.
Key principles
- Low body, quick feet.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.