Start with a 10 x 10 grid with a player in each corner and a ball in the middle.
When the coach says “go” all four players try to win the ball and maintain possession. The player who has the ball in their possession at the end of the round gets a point (the round lasts 10 seconds). There would be 10 rounds per game and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
In the beginning, players will try to get to the ball and dribble away from the opponents but they will quickly understand they need to win the ball, shield the ball from the opponents and accept some of the body contact that will directed their way. Players need to be reminded this is a contact sport and knocking a player off the ball with a legal shoulder charge is not only acceptable but expected. As long as it wouldn't be a foul in a regular game, it's permissible in this activity.
You can also vary the size of the grid and the time periods. You can change from a 10 x 10 grid to a 5 x 5 grid or change the time length from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.
Next you would have teams. The players on opposite corners are now teammates so instead of 1 v 3, it's 2 v 2.
Now, then the coach says 'go” the two reds are trying to win and keep the ball against the two yellows who are doing the exact same thing.
This adds the element of teamwork into the activity but still works on the same things as before.
This is a great activity to work on shielding, possession, competitiveness and will prepare the players for the type of contact they will see in real games.