Fun Mini Games
Putting everything together through enjoyable games — keeping the ball, moving with it and working together
⏳ 50 minutes · 5 activities
1
Bulldogs with Balls
Classic British Bulldog, but every child dribbles a ball. Cross to the other side without the catcher taking your ball.
Setup
- Two safe zones at opposite ends of the area
- Every child has a ball
- One child (or the coach) is the catcher in the middle
How to Play
- When the coach shouts 'GO!', children dribble from one safe zone to the other
- The catcher tries to kick the balls out of the area — not tackle the child
- If your ball is kicked out, collect it and rejoin immediately — no elimination
Rules
- Add a second catcher after 3 minutes
- Progress: catchers can only use their weaker foot
- Keep it moving — no one waits more than 10 seconds
1
Shield the ball with your body as you run through2
There is no elimination so every child stays active the whole time3
If the coach is the catcher, let most children get through — make it achievable2
River Crossing
Children must dribble across a 'river' (marked strip) without going off the stepping stones (cones). Keeps every child active simultaneously.
Setup
- Mark a 5-yard wide strip across the middle of the area as the 'river'
- Place 6-8 cones inside the strip as stepping stones
- Every child has a ball on one bank
How to Play
- Children must dribble through the river staying on or near the stepping stones
- If the ball goes off a stepping stone, they step back and try again
- Everyone crosses at the same time — it's not a race, it's a challenge
Progressions
- Remove some stepping stones to make the crossing harder
- Add imaginary crocodiles (cones) in the river that they must dribble around
- Tell a story while they cross — the more dramatic the better
1
Small touches to navigate the stones2
Head up to see where the next stepping stone is3
Reset quickly and keep the activity flowing — no waiting around3
Colour Goals
Four small goals around the edge, each a different colour. Children score by dribbling through the goal called by the coach.
Setup
- Set up 4 small goals around a 20x20 yard area, each marked with a different colour bib or cone
- Split into two teams — no goalkeepers
- Coach stands where they can see all four goals
How to Play
- Teams compete to score in whichever goal the coach calls
- When the coach calls a colour, both teams race to score in that goal
- First team to score gets a point, then the coach calls a new colour
Key Focus
- Call two colours at once to create a decision moment
- Let a child take over calling the colours
- Swap teams after 6 minutes
1
Look for children making decisions about which goal to go to — praise any attempt at decision making2
Keep calls coming quickly to keep energy high3
Balance the scoring if one team is getting disheartened — call colours that suit their position4
Free Match
A proper match to finish — let them play with minimal interruptions.
Setup
- Two even teams
- One goal at each end
- Normal match format
How to Play
- Kick off and let them play
- Restart quickly after goals and out of play situations
- Coach steps back and observes
Coach role: Minimal involvement. Encourage from the sideline. Avoid stopping the game to coach — this is their time. The most important outcome is that every child leaves wanting to come back next week.
5
Cool Down & Awards
Stretch, celebrate and give every child a moment of recognition.
Stretches
- Everyone in a circle
- Simple stretches led by the coach or a volunteer child
Q1. What was your favourite game today?
Q2. Who showed brilliant dribbling? Who showed amazing shooting?
Q3. Give everyone in the circle a high five before we go home!