The shape
The centre stands in the centre circle with the ball. The goal attack stands on our attacking third line, ready to lead into the centre third on the whistle. The goal defence stands on our defensive third line as the safe option behind. The goal shooter starts on the edge of our attacking circle and the goal keeper is deep by our defensive circle. With no wing attack or wing defence there is far more space in the centre third, so the lead is nearly always free and the centre can follow the pass up court straight away.
Roles
- Centre. Takes the pass from the umpire, finds the goal attack driving into the centre third within three seconds, then follows the ball to the circle edge.
- Goal attack. Drives from the line on the whistle, takes the pass and turns to feed the goal shooter or carries to the circle edge. Shoots if the goal shooter is covered.
- Goal shooter. Waits on the circle edge, then moves to the post as the goal attack receives and shows a hand for the pass.
- Goal defence. The safe option on the far line if the goal attack is marked, then stays in our defensive third ready for the turnover.
- Goal keeper. Stays deep by our circle and marks the opposing goal shooter.
Strengths
- The open centre third means the lead is rarely marked.
- Three passes to a shot is realistic for under 11s.
- Everyone has one job, which suits players rotating positions every quarter.
- A nervous centre always has the safe pass behind.
Weaknesses
- If the goal attack leads too early the whistle goes for offside.
- A single lead is easy to read for a sharp goal defence.
- Players new to a position that quarter forget where to stand.
- The centre sometimes forgets to follow the ball up and the goal attack is left alone.
When to use it
This is the centre pass for every High 5 team and every quarter, whichever player is in each position. It suits any under 11 group because the shape is the same every time and only the names change. Use the goal defence option more against a side that marks the goal attack tightly.
What to coach in training
- Whistle timing: the goal attack stands behind the line and drives on the whistle, with a coach calling early steps. Every player takes a turn, because they will all play goal attack.
- Centre pass to goal: centre to goal attack, goal attack to goal shooter, shot. Rotate all five through all five positions so the drill mirrors the quarter rotation.
- Safe option: a defender marks the goal attack closely and the centre practises finding the goal defence behind, then getting the ball forward from there.
Works well against
The set-up works well against tight marking, because the open centre third gives the goal attack room to lose a marker with one change of direction. It also works against a team that ignores the goal defence, since the safe pass behind is always there. A team that puts two players in the centre third to crowd the lead is the only real problem, and the answer is the goal defence option.
