Most players at an early age have the habit of running alongside the opponent when trying to chase down the ball.

Here is a way to teach your players to try to get  one step ahead of the opponent  and  introduce them to using their shoulder as a  means to cut off the run of a  player  plus gain confidence when trying to play more physical . (getting  across the man as I  call it)

Organization - 2 players standing a yard apart - on  the signal both players race to the cone using the technique of getting across the man .(first player past the cone wins)

Coaching points.

Encourage the players to lean across and get in front of the  opposing  player  by using their shoulder , step  across the path of the player  then  move directly to the cone.(ball in the game)

Variations:

Have the players start in a variety of starting positions.

1. facing each

2.back to back

   3. face down

 4. Lying down on their backs

Add a goal or goals .

Change the starting signal .

Instead of the coach saying "go"  .

Replace this with the bounce of the ball - as soon as the ball hits the ground the  players go!(Players are now reacting to the ball which is much more realistic! )

The coach should take up a position  behind the players.