This game follows the same basic rules as Capture the Flag, but uses four teams instead of just two. It's a little more advanced and should be reserved for older kids (8 and up).

Start with preferably a square playing area approximately 30-40 yards a side. In each corner, use discs to form a circle approximately 8 feet in diameter. These circles represent the "castles" (or "safe zones" for older kids).

Split your team into four groups, forming four separate teams. Use pinnies to keep the teams separate. Assuming you don't have four separate colors, you can also form some of the teams based upon the color shirts the players are already wearing (put four players that happen to be wearing white shirts on one team, etc.).

Gather all the balls you have (the more the better!), and collect them outside the play area. The balls are the "flags", and the goal of the game is for each team to capture as many flags as possible and return them back to their castle (or safe zone).

The game begins with you or an assistant tossing or kicking a couple balls into the middle of the field. The teams will charge the balls and the game is on! As the teams successfully return the balls to their castle, throw more out. You'll soon have multiple "mini-games" going on at once. Keep it going until you are out of balls. Whichever team "captures the most flags" wins.

A few points:

• The balls you have by the sideline may not be captured by the players until you put them in play.
• A ball is fair game all the way until it is safely secured inside a castle. This adds to the challenge as players must control the ball and stop it inside their circle. Players should be encouraged to steal from the opponent any balls that are not yet secured in a castle.
• Balls inside a castle are safe and may not be stolen.
• Mix up the way you put the balls in play. Throw some high ones out for your more advanced players, and roll some gently towards your more novice ones. Try to keep everyone involved!

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.