Yet, one team was listless and unfocused while at the other end of the field the players were working hard to make quick, accurate passes. The difference soon became obvious. The object was to see how many passes each pair could make in two minutes. The coach praised each score, made a brief technical point and challenged the players to see if they could break their previous records. The whistle sounded and the players were back at play.
Successful coaches use games as a part of their skill teaching progression.
Games are often preferable to drills. Drills do have an important part to play in learning skills since they force repetition that helps players react correctly in game situations. Repetition, however, can kill the enjoyment of the learning process. The trick is to get the repetitions and retain enthusiasm. This is the role of games.