This game is a good passing game, especially focused on accuracy, but it does have its drawbacks. Let me explain how it works first:

The play area should be about 15 yards long and at least 20 yards wide (even wider with older players).

Split your team into two groups, with each half spread out along a side line of your play area (the 15 yard sides). The two halves should therefore be facing each other, at least 20 yards apart. At the middle of one end line (the 20+ yard side), place 2-3 cones.

One player is the "duck". The duck starts at the middle of the end line opposite the cones. The duck's goal is to dribble as fast as they can across the field and pick up a cone, return, and then turn around to go collect the 2nd (or 3rd cone).

While the duck is dribbling across the field, however, in between the other players, they are all "duck hunting". These players are trying to pass their balls towards the duck in an effort to hit the duck's ball. It's basically target practice. If a player's ball is struck, they then become a "hunter" and someone else gets a turn at being the duck. Give everyone a chance to be the duck, and see if anyone can collect all three cones without getting caught.

This is a fun game and kids can really enjoy it, but if you're not careful it can quickly get out of hand. Stress that this is not a shooting game, but a passing game. The goal is to hit the duck's ball, not the duck. Have a rule that if a pass leaves the ground, or if anyone is purposely trying to hit the duck and not the duck's ball, then that player must sit out for the rest of the game. The last thing you want is for a ball to hit the duck in the face, etc., potentially causing injury and/or ruining a practice.

If there are games that you like to use that you don't see here, please pass them along! Just email us at info@soccerforcoaches.com.