Week 36

Outcomes

• ✓Players can identify the correct decision under pressure in the attacking third.
• ✓Players can execute a quick shot when a shooting lane is open.
• ✓Players can play a team-mate in on goal when they are in a better position.
• ✓Players can beat a defender 1v1 when shooting lanes are blocked.

Equipment

• 12 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: 15×15 yd grid, each player with a ball.

   How to run it: Players dribble freely. Coach holds up hand signals: one finger = shoot (player freezes and mimes a shot), two fingers = pass (finds the nearest player and plays to them), open palm = dribble (sprint five yards with ball).

   • ›React instantly — no hesitation.
   • ›Look up between touches so you see the signal.
   • ›Each decision should be executed with conviction.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Attack zone. Groups of three with one ball, passive keeper.

   How to run it: Three attackers approach the goal. At the 25-yard mark, coach calls 'Shoot!', 'Pass!', or 'Dribble!' The group must execute the correct action immediately. Four reps per group.

   • ›Shoot: nearest player strikes immediately from where the ball is.
   • ›Pass: ball-carrier plays to the best-positioned team-mate.
   • ›Dribble: ball-carrier takes on the keeper directly.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 2v1 + keeper scenarios in an 18×12 yd zone. Coach starts each rep by specifying the scoring constraint: goals only from shots, goals only from assists, or both allowed.

   How to run it: Attackers must adapt to the constraint and make the right decision. Change constraint every two minutes. After each rep, coach asks the ball-carrier: 'Why did you choose that option?'

   • ›Scan before you receive the ball — know your options first.
   • ›If you're the better-placed player, demand the ball.
   • ›Don't hold the ball — quick decisions, quick execution.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 3v2 (+keeper) in a 25×20 yd attack zone. After each goal or turnover, coach awards a 'decision point' to the player who made the best single decision in the play (regardless of outcome).

   How to run it: Coach narrates decision points out loud: 'Decision point to Sofia — she saw the shooting lane and pulled the trigger immediately.' Teams track decision points separately from goals.

   • ›Good decisions can lead to bad outcomes — still praise the decision.
   • ›Dribble when you have space, pass when you have a better-placed team-mate.
   • ›Shoot when the goalkeeper is set but you have a clear lane.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 including keepers, 35×25 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Free match with a 'Decision Timeout': coach can call time once per half to freeze the game and ask: 'What were your options just then?' Resume after hearing two answers.

   • ›The best players decide before the ball arrives.
   • ›Change your decision if the situation changes — be adaptable.
   • ›Encourage risk-taking: the right decision made boldly.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Group seated in front of the goal.

   How to run it: Static stretches. Coach asks: 'Give me the three options in the final third and when to use each.' Hear from three different players.

   • ›Shoot = open lane + composure. Pass = better-placed team-mate. Dribble = 1v1 opportunity.
   • ›Train the decision as hard as you train the technique.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can make a quick and correct decision with a defender tight behind them.
• ✓Players can use their body to shield before making a final-third decision.
• ✓Players can disguise their decision to deceive the defender.
• ✓Players can recover their decision if their first option is taken away.

Equipment

• 12 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Each player with a ball, shadow defender behind them.

   How to run it: Ball-carrier dribbles slowly while the shadow defender mirrors from behind. On 'Decide!', ball-carrier makes a sharp turn to face goal and either shoots (at a cone goal) or passes to a team-mate. Swap roles every 45 seconds.

   • ›Feel the pressure — choose based on where the defender is.
   • ›If defender is tight, fake one way and go the other.
   • ›Keep your weight on your toes when under pressure.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Groups of three in the final third: attacker receives back-to-goal, defender tight. Two support players either side.

   How to run it: Attacker receives with pressure and must decide: turn and shoot, lay off to support, or hold and spin. Three reps each role at increasing pressure level.

   • ›Back-to-goal: use your body to protect; peek before you receive.
   • ›Lay-off: firm pass, immediate movement.
   • ›Turn: only when there's space — use a feint.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Pressure shooting drill: attacker receives in a 10×10 yd zone with one defender pressing from behind. Two gates either side of the zone lead to finish channels. Full goal beyond.

   How to run it: Attacker decides in real time which gate to use based on where the defender's pressure comes from. After the gate, finish 1v1 with the keeper. Rotate all roles every three reps.

   • ›Read the defender's angle — go opposite.
   • ›Once through the gate, accelerate and shoot early.
   • ›Don't over-touch — one set-up touch, one finish.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 on a 30×20 yd pitch, full goals with keepers. Defensive team must press immediately on each turnover — no retreating.

   How to run it: Attacking team must make quick final-third decisions under press. Goal counts two points if scored within five seconds of entering the final third. Standard goal counts one. Coach keeps live score.

   • ›Quick movement after receiving — don't hold under pressure.
   • ›Look for the player who has escaped the press.
   • ›Shoot early if the lane is open — pressure reduces your time.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 40×30 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Free match with a high-press rule for both teams: both teams must press in the attacking half whenever the opponent has possession there. Forces decision-making under constant pressure.

   • ›Stay calm under pressure — rushed decisions lead to turnovers.
   • ›Movement off the ball reduces pressure on the ball-carrier.
   • ›Keeper: play quickly to beat the press.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle seated.

   How to run it: Static hamstring and hip stretches. Coach asks: 'What helps you make a better decision when a defender is right behind you?' Collect answers — listen for 'scanning early' and 'using your body.'

   • ›Pre-scan before you receive — know your options a second early.
   • ›Your body position is your decision: open hips show where you want to go.