Almost everyone has heard of this game, which can be applied to almost any sport. It's basically a "keep away" style game, with two or more players trying to keep the ball from the "monkey" in the middle.

In soccer, since it's more difficult to pass the ball OVER the monkey, this game works best with 4-5 players. Use cones or discs to set up a play area, which should be about 10-20 yards square depending upon age. Only one ball is needed.

One player starts in the middle as the monkey. The other players try to pass the ball around to one another, while the monkey tries to steal it. If the monkey is successful, whichever player last touched the ball becomes the new monkey.

Using 5 players gives you 4 on the outside, who typically form a square and obvious passing lanes. This works better for younger teams. Also with younger players, one of the coaches might want to be the permanent monkey until the kids get used to passing the ball around and identifying who the open player to pass to is.

For older teams, use only 3 outside players, who then must move around a bit more. This is a really good way to stress moving without the ball and positioning yourself to receive a pass.

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.