Setup cones 5m apart in a pentagon shape per group of 7, each has a ball. Two opposition players (with bibs if available) start in the middle of the pentagon.
(A) starts with the ball and must handball to any of the 4 teammates on the cones. (B) and (C) attempt to tag (A) prior to disposal, or intercept the handball.
The ball doesn't have to travel on the full, but the recipient must have a foot on the cone when receiving
Teammates assist by shouting directions to the player with the ball
If (B) or (C) tag the player prior to disposal, or the handball misses the target via inaccuracy or interception, the player who turned the ball over exchanges places with the defender who caused it.
If a player in the middle has 3 turns without causing a turnover, swap both defenders with the handballer and intended recipient.
Handballing players should:
Release quickly before the opposition can close them down
Telegraph their intention to handball in one direction, then handball elsewhere once a defender has committed to an intercept
Be reactive enough to stop their handball mid-action if their intended target is covered
Defenders should:
Remember the preferred hand of the handballer and cover the targets easiest to dispose to
Work together to close down the space
For added difficulty, introduce this variation after a few rotation: Players must use their right hand when handballing to the 2 players to their left, and their left hand to the 2 players to their right.
Another variation is to move each cone 5m further out, and repeat the drill, this time with kicking.
To keep the pentagon uniform, coach or defender stands in the absolute centre; players pickup cones and take 5 large steps directly away from this player
Players must again remain on the cones at all times, so accurate kicking is critical.
