Week 7

Outcomes

• ✓Players can approach a defender at the correct angle to open options
• ✓Players can wait for a defender to commit before making their move
• ✓Players demonstrate explosive acceleration after beating a defender
• ✓Players can identify when to dribble versus when to pass

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 20 cones
• 6 pinnies
• 2 small goals

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Free roam 20×20 yd.

   How to run it: Players dribble freely with small bursts of acceleration every 20 yds. On 'freeze!' players stop in their dribbling stance and the coach checks: ball close, knees bent, eyes up.

   • ›Dribbling stance: knees slightly bent, ball arm's length away
   • ›Eyes over the ball, not at the ground
   • ›Explosive first step on 'go!'

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Pairs; passive defender stands still.

   How to run it: Attacker dribbles toward defender from 10 yds. Stop 1 yd away, hold for 2 seconds (patience phase), then use any move and accelerate past. Defender does not move. Switch roles. Discuss: what happens if you rush?

   • ›Patience phase: read the defender's weight distribution
   • ›Do not telegraph – keep your body neutral
   • ›The moment defender shifts weight, that's your trigger

3. 3. Technical Practice – Four Principles Circuit

   15m

   Set up: Four 'principle stations' in a square: (1) Approach angle, (2) Patience gate, (3) Commitment trigger, (4) Acceleration lane.

   How to run it: Station 1: approach defender from different angles to find the wide side. Station 2: dribble to cone, hold 3 seconds, then move. Station 3: passive defender shifts weight; attacker reacts. Station 4: beat cone and sprint 10 yds. 3-minute rotations. Coach runs each station for the first rotation.

   • ›Station 1: approach at a slight angle to see both sides
   • ›Station 2: a rushed attacker makes bad decisions
   • ›Station 3: react to the cue, don't pre-decide
   • ›Station 4: acceleration = the defender cannot recover

4. 4. Skill Game – 1v1 to Goals x4

   15m

   Set up: Four small 1v1 pitches (12×8 yd); one goal each end; pairs on each pitch.

   How to run it: Continuous 1v1; on score, ball restarts with goalkeeper (cones act as GK starting point). Players rotate opponent every 3 minutes. Coach observes and asks after: 'Who waited the longest before making their move?'

   • ›Patience is a skill – practise it deliberately
   • ›Your body language before the move matters
   • ›After you score, reset quickly – competition mindset

5. 5. Small-Sided Game – 4v4 1v1 Zones

   17m

   Set up: 30×22 yd pitch divided into thirds. Middle third: only 1v1 allowed (other players must stay in their thirds).

   How to run it: Play 4v4. When the ball enters the middle third only one attacker and one defender may contest it. This creates repeated 1v1 situations in a game context.

   • ›Middle-third player: use your 1v1 skills – you own this space
   • ›Teammates: be patient, don't crowd the dribbler
   • ›Defenders: stay on your feet until the attacker commits

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Static stretches. Coach writes the four principles on a board (approach, patience, commitment, acceleration). Players read them aloud and give each a one-word nickname.

   • ›The nicknames make the principles memorable
   • ›Reinforce: all four must happen in sequence

Outcomes

• ✓Players apply approach-patience-commitment-acceleration in live 1v1 duels
• ✓Players can beat a defender and maintain possession after
• ✓Players can read whether to dribble or pass in a 1v1 moment
• ✓Players show increased confidence in taking on defenders

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 20 cones
• 8 pinnies
• 4 small goals

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Free roam 20×20 yd.

   How to run it: Players dribble using all learned moves. On 'challenge!' the nearest two players have a 10-second 1v1: whoever has the ball tries to keep it. On whistle, both resume free dribbling.

   • ›Quick trigger – transition instantly from dribbling to 1v1
   • ›Body shield if defender gets close
   • ›Regain composure after the challenge before the next move

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Pairs in a 15-yd channel; ball at halfway.

   How to run it: Both players start at opposite ends; coach calls a colour: coloured player runs to get the ball and attacks; other player defends. Play three attempts each. Progress: no colour call – both sprint and compete for the ball.

   • ›First step explosiveness wins the ball
   • ›Attacker: get your body between ball and defender immediately

3. 3. Technical Practice – 1v1 Pressure Test

   15m

   Set up: 20-yd corridor; attacker starts at one end with ball; defender starts 5 yds behind them.

   How to run it: Attacker tries to reach the far end before the defender catches them. Defender's job is to jockey and force a mistake, not tackle. Attacker must perform at least two moves before reaching the end. Play 4 rounds; rotate roles.

   • ›Look over your shoulder to time your moves
   • ›Use a change of pace to stay ahead
   • ›The moves are your weapons – deploy them proactively
   • ›Don't panic when the defender closes – trust your preparation

4. 4. Skill Game – King of the Ring

   15m

   Set up: 20×20 yd grid; all players with a ball.

   How to run it: Players dribble inside the grid and try to kick other players' balls out while protecting their own. When your ball leaves the grid you are out – perform 10 sole rolls and re-enter. Last player with their ball in the grid wins each round. Three rounds.

   • ›Shield your ball with your body
   • ›Attack others when they are not looking
   • ›Use change of direction to protect your ball

5. 5. Small-Sided Game – 5v5 Free Play

   17m

   Set up: 35×28 yd pitch; goals.

   How to run it: Free 5v5 with no constraints. Coach counts successful 1v1 wins per team. Announce the count at half time; see if teams increase their count in the second half.

   • ›Teams that dribble well under pressure win more often
   • ›Celebrate every successful 1v1 beat
   • ›Remind players: patience before commitment

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Full-body stretches. Ask: 'If you had to choose one move to beat a defender today, what would it be and why?' Quick popcorn share around the circle.

   • ›Individual preference builds identity as a player
   • ›Validate all answers – there's no wrong choice