Split Decision
A game of 1 v 1 where the measurement is focussed on the intercept (athletes don’t need to know this - recording can be done on points for both).
Athletes take it in turns to under arm bounce throw or kick - for the purpose of broader athlete adaptability it is recommended that, in the testing phase, games for each of these skills are tested.
Two sets of two cones 2m width (creating gates) 5 metres apart.
The defender stands 0.5m to 1m behind their gate line facing the attacker, before attempting to score, the attacker must bounce the ball to indicate they are about to have an attempt - at this stage the defender can move towards and through their gate.
Attacker scores a point: Successfully passes through the ball through the defenders gate.
Defender scores a point: Intercepts the ball before it passes between the gate.
Why Split Decision? Testing athletes ability to use a split or decision step when intercepting a ball - balance, and ability to move laterally.
Extensions:
Use a low hurdle just before the defender gate which must be stepped over - attacker must release ball as soon as first step over is made.
Two x 2 metre gates with the defender in between these - with crash mats for each gate. Underarm bounce throw (only one bounce allowed for the attacker to score a point). Affordance for the defender to be able to dive.
To advance further, consider using a tennis ball with half a side taped, a very small ball (table tennis ball) or even a lighter larger ball (volleyball, light football) that has a taped side - replicating swing or spin movement.
Measurement App Records:
Small Ball - Under arm bounce - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender.
Large Ball Under arm bounce - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Large Ball - Kick = Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Step Over Gate - Small Ball Throw - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Step Over Gate - Large Ball Throw - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Step Over Gate - Kick - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Two Gate - SB Throw - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Two Gate - LB Throw - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
Two Gate - Kick - Points scored out of 20 attempts - attacker and defender
