Week 14

Outcomes

• ✓Players can dribble their ball around the whole space without stopping.
• ✓Players can tap the ball with the inside of each foot.
• ✓Players can keep their eyes up while moving with the ball.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 8 cones to mark a 20x20 yard grid
• music speaker (optional)

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Set out one ball per player inside the 20x20 grid. Cones mark the corners.

   How to run it: Players arrive and get a ball. Tell them: 'Your ball is your best friend — take it everywhere!' Let them dribble freely anywhere inside the grid.

   • ›Praise anyone already using both feet.
   • ›Encourage players to explore every corner of the grid.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Traffic Lights

   8m

   Set up: All players with a ball inside the grid. Coach stands where everyone can see.

   How to run it: Coach calls colours: RED = freeze and put one foot on the ball; YELLOW = slow dribble; GREEN = fast dribble anywhere. Mix colours quickly and add silly colours ('PURPLE = dribble backwards!').

   • ›Watch that players stop cleanly on RED — soft touches, not crashing.
   • ›On GREEN, encourage big, fast steps with the ball.
   • ›Keep energy high — change colours every 5-8 seconds.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Supermarket Dash

   12m

   Set up: Scatter 10-12 small cones (the 'shopping items') around the grid. Each player has a ball.

   How to run it: Players are shoppers — dribble to a cone, tap it with their foot (they 'picked it up'), then dash to the next cone. Count how many shops they can visit in 60 seconds. Play three rounds and try to beat their own score.

   • ›Remind players to take small touches close to their feet.
   • ›Encourage looking ahead to spot the next cone before arriving.
   • ›Celebrate personal bests loudly.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Dribble Chaos

   15m

   Set up: Split into teams of 3. Two small 12x8 yard games running side by side. Four small goals (flat cones, 2 yards wide each side). No goalkeeper.

   How to run it: Play 3v3. A goal only counts if the scorer dribbles the ball through the small goal — no shooting. Swap teams every 4 minutes. Cheer every single goal.

   • ›No lines — everyone plays at all times.
   • ›Let the game flow; only stop if safety is an issue.
   • ›Praise dribbling attempts even when the ball is lost.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: All players sit in a circle with their ball.

   How to run it: Roll the ball back and forth to a partner while taking three slow breaths. Each player says one thing they did well today, then high-five the person next to them.

   • ›Keep the tone positive and celebratory.
   • ›Remember every name — use them.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can dribble and dodge simultaneously.
• ✓Players can protect their ball when challenged.
• ✓Players can restart quickly after losing their ball.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 8 cones for grid
• 4 pinnies for taggers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid set up, one ball per player.

   How to run it: Free dribble. Challenge: can you dribble in a figure-8 shape? Show a friend.

   • ›Encourage creativity — no wrong answers.
   • ›Praise any child who tries something new.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Shark Attack

   8m

   Set up: All players dribble inside the grid. Two players are Sharks (no ball, wear pinnie).

   How to run it: Sharks try to kick any player's ball out of the grid. If your ball leaves the grid, do 3 toe-taps on it and re-enter. After 90 seconds swap Sharks so everyone gets a turn.

   • ›Encourage players to shield the ball using their body.
   • ›Remind Sharks to chase with energy — it's more fun for everyone.
   • ›No stopping to wait — keep moving.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Copycat Dribble

   12m

   Set up: Players pair up, each pair has one ball. Partners stand 2 yards apart.

   How to run it: One player is the Leader, one the Copycat. The Leader dribbles anywhere in the grid; the Copycat follows every move with their own imaginary ball — then swap. After one minute, give the Copycat a ball too and both dribble, Copycat trying to mirror.

   • ›Leaders: make surprising changes of direction.
   • ›Copycats: keep your head up to watch your Leader.
   • ›Make it funny — leaders can go slow, fast, zigzag.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 4v4 Everyone Scores

   15m

   Set up: One 20x15 yard game, 4v4 (or adjust to group size). Flat-cone goals at each end.

   How to run it: Play normally but every player on the team must touch the ball before a goal counts. Restart by placing the ball on the ground and dribbling it in from the sideline. Rotate teams every 5 minutes.

   • ›No keeper — everyone attacks AND defends.
   • ›Encourage spreading out to find space.
   • ›Keep score verbally but celebrate both teams equally.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle with balls. Sit down.

   How to run it: Gentle toe-taps on the ball with alternating feet — count to 10 together. Then each player gives a thumbs up and says 'Great game!' to the person on their left.

   • ›Finish on a peak of fun — energy should be happy, not exhausted.
   • ›Hand out any stickers or stamps if your club uses them.