Week 11

Outcomes

• ✓Players can approach a ball at a slight angle before kicking.
• ✓Players can strike a ball toward a goal from 4 yards.
• ✓Players can follow their shot and react to the rebound.

Equipment

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

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: 4 pop-up goals scattered around the 20x20 grid. Balls near each one.

   How to run it: Players arrive and shoot at any goal they find. Multiple goals mean no queues. Let them discover shooting naturally.

   • ›Shooting into real goals is more motivating than kicking into space.
   • ›Observe approach angles and foot contact.
   • ›Match player excitement — scoring is the best thing ever!

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Dinosaur Egg Rescue

   8m

   Set up: Place 8 balls (eggs) in a central hula hoop (the volcano). Four goals around the edge of the 20x20 grid (the nests).

   How to run it: Players are baby dinosaurs rescuing eggs. Take one ball (egg) from the volcano and kick it into a nest (goal). Run back and get another. Count total eggs rescued as a group. Celebrate every goal wildly. Reset eggs and replay.

   • ›High repetition shooting with a fun narrative.
   • ›Any form of kick that scores counts — technique comes later.
   • ›Keep reset time short — momentum is everything.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — Shooting Star Station

   12m

   Set up: Four shooting spots marked with flat cones at 4, 5, 6, and 7 yards from goal. Two goals side by side.

   How to run it: Players rotate through shooting spots. Start at 4 yards — shoot, retrieve, join back at the next spot. Move to 5 yards, then 6, then 7. Players earn a 'star' for each spot distance they score from. Try to collect all 4 stars. Coach emphasizes: approach from slight angle, plant foot beside ball, strike through.

   • ›Slight approach angle opens the hip for a cleaner strike.
   • ›Plant foot BESIDE the ball — not behind it.
   • ›Follow through toward the goal — point the kicking foot at target after the kick.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — 3v3 Shooting Gallery

   15m

   Set up: Two 15x10 pitches. 3v3, no goalkeeper. Goals slightly wider (1 yard extra per side) to encourage shooting success.

   How to run it: Play 3v3. Wider goals mean more success. Encourage players to shoot when within 6 yards. Coach narrates big shots: 'OH! What a strike!' Rotate every 4 minutes.

   • ›Wider goals give kids the positive experience of scoring.
   • ›Encourage shooting over aimless dribbling close to goal.
   • ›Celebrate both teams goals equally.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle. One goal in the center.

   How to run it: Each player takes one ceremonial 'perfect shot' from 4 yards with a 3-second countdown from the group. Applause for every shot regardless of outcome. Hearts Cheer.

   • ›Ceremonial shot builds confidence and focus.
   • ›Make it theatrical — big countdown, big reaction.
   • ›Everyone scores in the ceremony — reposition the goal if needed.

Outcomes

• ✓Players shoot confidently when in front of goal.
• ✓Players can shoot after receiving a pass.
• ✓Players celebrate teammates' goals enthusiastically.

Equipment

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

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Multiple goals all around the 20x20 grid. Balls everywhere.

   How to run it: Players arrive and score as many goals as possible in 5 minutes. Keep a running group count. Celebrate every goal out loud. No rules, just shoot!

   • ›High-energy arrival sets the tone for a festival day.
   • ›Group counting builds team spirit.
   • ›Count loud and enthusiastically — you are the hype person.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Wild West Shootout

   8m

   Set up: Two goals facing each other 12 yards apart. Players split into two teams behind their goal.

   How to run it: Players take turns: run out with ball, shoot at the opposite goal. Both teams go at the same time so there are always 2 balls in play. Retrieve and rejoin your team's line. Count team totals. Play 3 rounds — rotate goal sides.

   • ›Two balls keeps the energy chaotic and fun.
   • ›Players must be aware of both shooters — heads up!
   • ›Celebrate near misses as much as goals.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — 1v1 Breakaways

   12m

   Set up: Two 10x10 areas. In each, one goal and a starting line 8 yards away. Pairs face off.

   How to run it: Player A starts with the ball at the starting line. Player B stands at the goal (no keeper — just a cone marker). Player A dribbles toward goal and tries to score while player B jogs out to apply light pressure. Swap roles every 3 turns. Light pressure only — let the attacker experience shooting with someone close.

   • ›Light pressure introduces shooting under mild challenge.
   • ›Encourage shooting early rather than over-dribbling.
   • ›Defender's role is to apply token pressure, not to steal — teach them this.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — Goals Festival

   15m

   Set up: Three 12x10 mini-pitches. 3v3 round-robin. Award a group 'goal tally' across all pitches.

   How to run it: 3v3 play. Announce the total goals scored across ALL pitches at the end of each round. Try to beat the total each round as a whole group. This makes everyone root for all goals, not just their team's.

   • ›Group goal tally builds collective joy of scoring.
   • ›Reduces over-competitive behavior.
   • ›Keep rounds to 4 minutes for maximum variety.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle. Players lie on their backs with ball under their feet.

   How to run it: Players lift ball with feet and hold for 5 seconds. Then sit up for Hearts Cheer. Ask: 'How many goals did WE score today?' Make up a big number and celebrate it.

   • ›Cool-down core activation (ball-lift) is fun and functional.
   • ›Collective celebration cements team identity.
   • ›Leave players on a high.