Week 26

Outcomes

• ✓Players can execute push-pass with locked ankle and full follow-through consistently
• ✓Players can receive on the half-turn and play forward in a realistic scenario
• ✓Players can complete a wall pass around an active defender
• ✓Players can describe the purpose of each Q2 skill in their own words

Equipment

• 12 size-4 balls
• 24 disc cones
• 4 small goals
• bibs
• player progress cards (printed or coach notes)

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Solo — each player with a ball.

   How to run it: Players lead their own warm-up for 8 minutes. Coach watches quietly and notes technical habits: ankle lock on the pass, body shape when receiving. No instruction — observation only.

   • ›Coach: note two specific technical observations per player
   • ›Players: show your best habits — no coaching needed now

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Pairs, 10 yards apart, one ball.

   How to run it: Q2 skill flashcard warm-up: coach calls a skill name (push-pass, half-turn, first touch into space, one-two) and pairs immediately perform it. 10 rounds. This fires up Q2 muscle memory comprehensively before assessment.

   • ›Instant recall — no thinking, just doing
   • ›Correct technique on every rep

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Three assessment stations (5 minutes each, groups rotate): Station 1 — Push-pass accuracy (10 passes through a 1-yard gate from 10 yards, count hits). Station 2 — Half-turn receive and forward play (passer, receiver, forward target — count successful half-turn receives). Station 3 — Wall pass against an active defender.

   How to run it: Players rotate through all three stations. At each station, a partner counts and records their score. Coach circulates and gives one technical cue per player per station. Scores are collected for coach's records — not shared publicly.

   • ›This is not a test — it's a snapshot of your progress
   • ›Focus on technique, not score
   • ›One last technical tip from each station before moving on

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: Full Q2 rondo: 6v3, 16×16 yd.

   How to run it: Players perform the most demanding rondo of the quarter. Six attackers vs three active defenders. Attackers must complete 12 consecutive passes to score. Defenders earn a point for every steal. This is the 'Q2 rondo championship' — track the team's longest streak.

   • ›Apply everything: body shape, weight, triangles, half-turns, forward play
   • ›This is the full package — show it
   • ›The defenders are strong — respect and beat them

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 on 30×22 yd, standard small goals.

   How to run it: Free match — players use all Q2 skills spontaneously. No constraints or bonuses. Coach observes and takes notes on each player's progress from Week 14. The game is the test. Celebrate all Q2 moments loudly from the sideline.

   • ›Play freely — trust your training
   • ›The pass is the foundation of everything we do
   • ›Every great team in the world starts here — passing and receiving

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Full team circle.

   How to run it: Cool-down stretches. Coach reads back three team highlights from the quarter — one from Week 14, one from the middle, one from today. Players hear their growth reflected back. Q3 theme is teased: 'Dribbling and 1v1.'

   • ›You have all grown as passers and receivers this quarter
   • ›The first touch and the pass are skills you will use every match for the rest of your lives

Outcomes

• ✓Players can lead their own warm-up before a match
• ✓Players can demonstrate all Q2 skills in an extended match format
• ✓Players can reflect on their personal growth since Week 14
• ✓Players can support and encourage teammates throughout a full match

Equipment

• 10 size-4 balls
• 24 disc cones
• 2 larger goals
• bibs
• optional: Austin Hearts FC pennants or stickers for participation

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Player-led. Captains (two nominated by coach) run the arrival warm-up.

   How to run it: Two captains lead the group through their own choice of Q2 ball mastery activities for 8 minutes. Coach stands back and only intervenes for safety. This is a player empowerment moment.

   • ›Captains: choose activities you found most useful this quarter
   • ›Group: respect your captains — listen and work hard

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Full group, player-led by captains.

   How to run it: Captains lead the dynamic warm-up — any Q2 drills they choose. Suggested: circle passing, one-two warm-up, and short sprint activation. Coach participates as a player in this session.

   • ›Players who can lead are building football intelligence
   • ›High quality — this is your quarter-end performance

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Teams self-select (captains pick); one short possession game to build rhythm.

   How to run it: Teams play a 5-minute 4v4 possession keep-away as a pre-match warm-up. After 5 minutes, teams discuss tactics (supported by coach if needed): which Q2 skills will they focus on in the match? Teams share one tactical intention each.

   • ›Tactical awareness: which Q2 skill gives your team the best advantage?
   • ›Communicate the plan to every player in the team
   • ›Keep it simple — one or two key skills focused

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: Q2 skills relay race: two teams. Four stations: push-pass accuracy, half-turn receive, wall pass around cone, first touch into space. Each player completes all four. First team to finish wins.

   How to run it: Each player sprints to station 1 (pass through gate), station 2 (receive and half-turn), station 3 (wall pass around cone), station 4 (first touch into space target). Completed stations counted per player. Team total wins. High energy — clapping and cheering.

   • ›Speed AND quality — sloppy technique loses the relay
   • ›Cheer your teammates through every station
   • ›This is Q2 in one glorious race

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: Full match, larger goals, 7v7 or 5v5 depending on numbers. 30×22 yd minimum.

   How to run it: Austin Hearts FC Quarter 2 Celebration Match. Coach acts as the commentator: 'Hearts red with a beautiful half-turn!' 'Green team finds the switch — excellent Q2 play!' Keep the energy high, celebrate every Q2 skill. No pausing for coaching — pure match.

   • ›This is your stage — show what Austin Hearts can do
   • ›Play with heart — it's in the name
   • ›Every pass, every first touch: this is who you are now

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Full team circle. Optional: pennants or stickers if available.

   How to run it: Cool-down stretches led by coach. Each player shares one word describing their Q2 experience. Coach gives the Q3 teaser: 'Next quarter — dribbling, 1v1 duels, and beating your player.' End with Austin Hearts FC chant — loudest of the quarter.

   • ›You have built a passing and receiving foundation that will last your whole career
   • ›Remember: passing is love — give your teammates a gift with every ball
   • ›See you in Q3 — bring this energy