Mouse in the Middle

Players: 4+ | Difficulty: 2|

Description:  Pass through the middle zone while avoiding the "mouse".

Application: Teach defenders to cut off multiple passing lanes by scanning for offensive players.

Instructions

1. One Defender vs Three Players playing possession.

2. The 3 player possession team will put one player into each grid.

3. The single defender will stay in the middle grid at all times. Their job is to stop the ball from getting across the grid.

4. Every time the ball gets from one side to the other, that is one point.

5. The outside players can play directly to each other, or play a pass to and through their middle teammate.

6. The middle defender must choose between cutting off a direct passing lane, or blocking the center teammate... or can they do both?
   

Rules

• The defender switches out after they have stolen/kicked the ball out three times.

• Players can only have the ball at their feet for 3 seconds at most (to simulate game speeds).

• Every time the ball gets from one side to the other, that is one point.

Setup

• 3 Rectangular cone grids (size based on skill level).

• 3 player possession team will put one player into each grid. The single defender in the middle.

Rotation

• The defender switches out after they have stolen/kicked the ball out three times.

Coaching Points

• Can make 1 or 2 touch.

• Defender must check their shoulder to be aware of all players (so they can cut off passing lanes).

• Help defenders learn to position themselves to cut off the direct passing lanes, while still being close enough to the middle player to react and move to cover a pass to them.

• Focusing on their pass quality and decision making.