Pass to Be Safe Tag
A tag game where taggers chase players, but only the player holding a ball can be tagged. Players save teammates by passing the ball away before the tagger arrives.
- Age
- U7–U14
- Players
- 8–18
- Duration
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 20 × 20 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Football-adapted game
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing
- Tactical: Ball possession
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Passing
- Tactical:Support playScanning
- Physical:Reaction speed
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
The ball becomes a hot potato: having it makes you a target, so players look up, call for passes and move to help. It is a warm-up that young players love and that works passing, scanning and support without lines or explanations.
Objective
Keep the ball moving with quick passes and support to escape the taggers.
Organisation
- Area of 20 × 20 m. Two or three taggers in bibs; the rest share three balls.
How it works
- Taggers can only tag a player who has a ball.
- A tagged player swaps with the tagger (gives the bib).
- Rounds of 90 seconds; count how many players each tagger catches.
Coaching points
- Look for a free teammate before the ball arrives.
- Pass early, before the tagger is close.
- Without the ball: move into space and call.
Progressions
- Fewer balls (harder to stay safe).
- Passes must be made with the weaker foot.
Regressions
- More balls and fewer taggers.
Variations
- Players must dribble at least two touches before passing.
Key principles
- Pass early, support often.
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