Week 39

Outcomes

• ✓Players can demonstrate at least two 1v1 attacking moves under live pressure.
• ✓Players can finish with accuracy using at least two different techniques.
• ✓Players can defend 1v1 without diving in.
• ✓Players can articulate what they have improved at this quarter.

Equipment

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

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Free play in a 20×20 yd grid, each player with a ball.

   How to run it: Players choose their own mastery focus from the quarter — a skill they want to show off. Coach circulates and asks each player: 'Which skill are you working on?' Players must name one.

   • ›Ownership of their development — let them choose.
   • ›Encourage creativity and personal expression.
   • ›Observe who shows which skills — note for game decisions later.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Stations around the pitch: (1) give-and-go cones, (2) laces shooting mark, (3) 1v1 channel, (4) cut-back roller.

   How to run it: Players rotate through all four stations spending 2 minutes each. At each station, they complete 8–10 reps of the relevant movement. No coach instruction — players self-direct from memory.

   • ›This is their own review — trust them to self-direct.
   • ›Circulate quietly and observe.
   • ›Praise any player who chooses a skill they struggled with.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 1v1 Showcase: pairs in a 12×8 yd channel with a small goal at each end. Players play three 1.5-minute 1v1 matches. After each, both players name one strength and one improvement from the duel.

   How to run it: Coach facilitates: 'Tell me one thing you did well and one thing you'd do differently.' Rotate partners so each player faces a new opponent. Effort and sportsmanship are emphasised alongside skill.

   • ›Celebrate both attackers and defenders equally.
   • ›Ask: 'Did you try something new today?'
   • ›Reinforce specific improvements you've seen over the quarter.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: Finishing Relay Showcase: four stations around the goal. Each station tests a different technique: (1) side-foot placement, (2) laces power, (3) first-time finish, (4) cut-back finish. Teams of two cycle through.

   How to run it: Each player takes two shots per station. Teams accumulate points. Coach awards bonus points for quality of technique as well as for goals. Announce scores enthusiastically.

   • ›Reward excellent technique even on a miss.
   • ›Connect the technique names to the sessions: 'This is what you practised in Week 29!'
   • ›Keep energy high — this is a celebration of learning.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

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

   How to run it: Free match. Coach uses the session to assess players against the quarter's outcomes naturally in play. No constraints — let the game breathe. Coach takes mental notes for the post-session review.

   • ›Watch for 1v1 decisions: are players attacking with intent?
   • ›Watch for finishing technique: are players selecting the right technique for the chance?
   • ›Watch for combination awareness: are players making combination runs without being prompted?

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Group seated in a circle in front of the goal.

   How to run it: Go around the circle: every player says one thing they're proud of from Quarter 3, and one thing they want to keep improving. Coach closes with a word about the group's growth and previews Quarter 4.

   • ›Every player should leave feeling valued and motivated.
   • ›Emphasise the journey, not just results.
   • ›Build excitement for the next quarter — what comes next?

Outcomes

• ✓Players can apply 1v1 skills, finishing techniques, and combination plays independently in a full game.
• ✓Players can make smart final-third decisions without coach prompting.
• ✓Players can encourage and support team-mates throughout a competitive game.
• ✓Players can reflect on their individual quarter development.

Equipment

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

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Player-led free play, each player with a ball.

   How to run it: Players lead their own warm-up — no coach instruction. They may practise any skill from the quarter. Coach watches only. If players ask for ideas, coach says: 'Show me your favourite move from this quarter.'

   • ›Player ownership is the goal.
   • ›Observe confidence levels — who is experimenting? Who is playing safe?
   • ›Celebrate self-directed creativity.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Two mixed teams of equal ability. Ball-work warm-up: rondos (3v1 in small squares), then a quick line warm-up with high knees and sprints.

   How to run it: Teams lead their own rondo with coach-facilitated rotation. This mimics a pre-match warm-up: player-led passing, movement, and short sprint activation. Coach suggests adding a combination to the rondo for fun.

   • ›Rondo: quick hands, call for the ball, one or two touches.
   • ›Sprint activation: full effort on the last two sprint reps.
   • ›Teamwork and communication in warm-up set the tone for the match.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Pre-match sharpen: 3v2 attack vs. defence, rotating every two minutes. Both teams fully live. Full goal with keeper.

   How to run it: Each group gets two minutes to attack and defend. Coach gives no instruction — only after each 2-minute block asks one player from each team: 'What did you notice about the defence?'

   • ›Encourage independent analysis.
   • ›This is the final rehearsal — let quality emerge.
   • ›Reinforce confidence: 'You've been training this all quarter — trust it.'

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: Quarter 3 Challenge Match: 4v4 (no keepers), full goals, 35×25 yd. Each team sets their own goal before the match (e.g., 'Score from a combination' or 'Win three 1v1 duels').

   How to run it: Teams declare their goal publicly to the coach before kick-off. At half-time (7 mins) coach checks: 'How are you doing on your goal?' Final: coach announces whether each team achieved their pre-match goal.

   • ›The process goal matters more than the scoreline.
   • ›Hold teams accountable to their own goal — not the coach's.
   • ›Celebrate achievement of process goals loudly.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 or 7v7 (depending on attendance) including keepers, full pitch or largest available space, full goals. Mixed teams for maximum competition.

   How to run it: Quarter 3 Final Match. Standard rules. Coach introduces one tradition: any goal scored from a combination learned this quarter gets a 'Hearts Goal' call from the whole team. Coach keeps both the score and Hearts Goal count.

   • ›Let the game run — trust the players to apply their learning.
   • ›Coach the game from the sideline: one or two positive calls only.
   • ›Both teams deserve recognition for their effort this quarter.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Full group in front of the goal, standing in a semi-circle.

   How to run it: Coach leads a standing ovation for the group's Quarter 3 effort. Coach picks out three specific improvements they've witnessed individually — named players, specific skills. Finishes with a team hearts chant and a preview of Quarter 4.

   • ›Every player should be named positively at least once this session.
   • ›The Hearts chant builds identity and belonging.
   • ›End on maximum energy and excitement.