Week 10

Outcomes

• ✓Players can stop a rolled ball with the inside of the foot.
• ✓Players can take a soft first touch that keeps the ball within one step.
• ✓Players can receive a ball from a partner and dribble away.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 20 flat cones
• 4 small pop-up goals
• 1 pinnie per player

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. Pairs. One ball between two players.

   How to run it: Pairs roll the ball back and forth on the ground — no kicking, just rolling and stopping. No instruction — exploration of receiving with the foot.

   • ›Rolling introduces the concept of a ball coming toward you.
   • ›Watch how kids naturally use their feet to stop it.
   • ›Praise any foot stop over a hand catch.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Hot Potato Feet

   8m

   Set up: Groups of 4 in a small square (5x5 yards). One ball per group.

   How to run it: Players pass (roll) the ball across the square. The receiver must stop it with their foot (inside) and quickly roll it to another player. Ball is 'hot' — keep it moving! Players count their team's consecutive touches. Beat the team record each round.

   • ›Soft receiving: 'cushion the ball — do not let it bounce off.'
   • ›Move the receiving foot back slightly as the ball arrives — 'give it a soft pillow.'
   • ›Quick release reinforces receiving then moving.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — Ball Catcher Challenge

   12m

   Set up: Pairs across 6-yard gaps. Coach rolls balls from the side to random players.

   How to run it: Coach rolls a ball to a random player. That player must stop it with a soft inside-of-foot touch and dribble it to a target cone. Player resets and coach rolls to the next player. Increase distance of rolls as skill improves. Add a directional challenge: coach rolls left or right of the player, forcing them to move to receive.

   • ›Move to the ball: 'come and meet it, do not wait for it!'
   • ›Angle the foot to redirect the ball in a useful direction.
   • ›First touch direction matters — toward open space.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — 3v3 with Ground Passes Only

   15m

   Set up: Two 15x10 pitches. 3v3, goals at each end. Rule: all passes must be along the ground (rolled, no lifted balls).

   How to run it: Play 3v3 with ground-pass rule. This maximizes receiving situations. Coach counts the total number of ground passes across both pitches each round. Celebrate team totals. Rotate every 4 minutes.

   • ›Ground pass rule creates constant receiving situations.
   • ›Praise any soft first touch that sets up the next move.
   • ›If no passing happens, play freely — do not force it.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle. Pairs. Coach rolls to each pair — they stop it together (both touch it).

   How to run it: Fun challenge: can two players both touch a rolling ball with their foot at the same time? Silly and fun. Then the Hearts Cheer. Homework reminder.

   • ›Cooperation in stopping the ball is a light team theme.
   • ›End with laughter.
   • ›Reinforce: tomorrow try receiving at home!

Outcomes

• ✓Players receive the ball and immediately dribble or pass.
• ✓Players move toward a rolling ball to receive it.
• ✓Players show a consistent soft first touch in games.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 20 flat cones
• 4 small pop-up goals
• 1 pinnie per player

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Pairs with one ball. 20x20 grid.

   How to run it: Pairs spread out and take turns rolling and receiving. Self-directed — players choose their own distance and pace.

   • ›Let pairs find their own rhythm.
   • ›Note improvement from Session 1 — comment positively.
   • ›Introduce the day as 'festival of receiving.'

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Treasure Postman

   8m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. 3-4 'post boxes' (upturned cones or hula hoops). Groups of 3, one ball.

   How to run it: Players are postmen delivering treasure (the ball). Player A rolls to player B, who stops it and rolls to a post box. If it stops IN the post box, the team earns a star. Player C retrieves and the chain continues. Count stars as a team.

   • ›Sequential receiving gives multiple touches to each player.
   • ›Accuracy of first touch determines if they can hit the post box.
   • ›Celebrate team stars over individual success.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — Receiving Relay Race

   12m

   Set up: Two teams of 4-5 players. Teams stand in staggered lines across a 20x10 area.

   How to run it: Player 1 rolls to player 2 who receives and rolls to player 3, and so on down the line. The team that completes the relay with all clean receptions wins a round. No hands — feet only for receiving. Run 4-5 rounds. Challenge: increase speed each round.

   • ›Relay format adds light competition and urgency.
   • ›Soft receiving at speed is the key challenge.
   • ›Celebrate the clean team relays, not just the winners.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — Festival Rounds

   15m

   Set up: Three 12x10 mini-pitches. 3v3 round-robin, 4-minute games.

   How to run it: 3v3 play. Introduce 'first touch bonus': if a player receives and dribbles past an opponent within 2 seconds, coach calls 'FIRST TOUCH MAGIC!' Rotate teams every 4 minutes.

   • ›First touch bonus rewards the full sequence: receive then move.
   • ›Call it live in the game with excitement.
   • ›Rotate teams for fresh matchups every round.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Coach rolls the ball to each player one time. Player must stop it softly and roll it back. Simple and calming. Count as a group. Hearts Cheer.

   • ›Low-key receiving circle winds down energy.
   • ›Praise every soft touch.
   • ›Send players off calm and happy.