Week 20

Outcomes

• ✓Players can step over the ball with one foot (the scissor motion).
• ✓Players can combine a scissor step with a push in a new direction.
• ✓Players can attempt the baby scissor in an undefended setting.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 2 cones per player for practice pairs

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with one ball each. A few large cones as 'defenders' to dribble past.

   How to run it: Players arrive and try to fake out the cone defenders any way they like. Coach watches for natural step-over attempts.

   • ›Encourage any faking motion — creativity first.
   • ›Note who already steps over the ball naturally.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Fake and Go

   8m

   Set up: Players stand with a ball at their feet in a loose scatter.

   How to run it: Coach says: 'FAKE LEFT!' — swing one foot around the ball like a big circle (the scissor), then push the ball the other way with the other foot. Do 5 reps each direction. Then try while walking, then while slow-dribbling.

   • ›Scissor foot goes around the OUTSIDE of the ball — a big swinging step.
   • ›Plant foot stays on the ground.
   • ›After the scissor, push the ball with the other foot.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Beat the Cone

   12m

   Set up: Pairs. One large cone between each pair (the defender). 3 yards of run-up on each side.

   How to run it: Player dribbles toward the cone, does a baby scissor, pushes the ball past the cone, then jogs back to start. 5 goes each, then swap. After 5 goes each, partner can crouch behind the cone and wave a hand to make it scarier.

   • ›Slow down approaching the cone — set up the move.
   • ›Exaggerate the scissor swing — make it big.
   • ›Accelerate away after the push.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Scissor Points

   15m

   Set up: Two 3v3 games. Normal flat-cone goals.

   How to run it: Play 3v3. If a player scores immediately after a baby scissor move, it counts as 3 points. Normal goals count 1 point. Coach keeps score loudly.

   • ›Cheer every scissor attempt — made or missed.
   • ›Defenders: stay on your feet — don't dive in.
   • ›The move is the reward, not just the goal.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: Everyone does 3 slow scissor motions with each foot — just the swinging motion, ball between feet. Each player teaches it to the person next to them.

   • ›Teaching others embeds the skill.
   • ›Celebrate anyone who can describe the move in their own words.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can attempt the scissor in a 1v1 scenario.
• ✓Players can recognise when to use the scissor (approaching a defender).
• ✓Players can recover quickly after a failed scissor attempt.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 4 pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with cones scattered as defenders.

   How to run it: Players arrive and try to beat every cone with a baby scissor. How many can they beat in 2 minutes?

   • ›Encourage players to count their successes.
   • ›Any step-over shape = celebrate.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: The Move Parade

   8m

   Set up: Players dribble freely in the grid.

   How to run it: Coach calls 'SCISSOR TIME!' — every player stops, does a baby scissor on the spot 3 times, then dribbles away. Call it every 20 seconds. Mix in other moves: 'SOLE STOP!', 'INSIDE CUT!' to review previous weeks.

   • ›Quick execution — in the flow of dribbling.
   • ›Praise players who transition smoothly from dribble to move.
   • ›Review prior skills briefly.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: 1v1 Scissor Island

   12m

   Set up: Mark 4 small 1v1 zones (5x8 yards each). Pairs compete.

   How to run it: 1v1 in each zone. Attacker earns 1 point for crossing the end line and 2 bonus points for using a scissor. Defender earns 1 point for winning the ball. Swap roles every 3 turns.

   • ›Attackers: set up the move — don't just run past.
   • ›Defenders: stay on feet and be patient.
   • ›Both score points — everybody is competitive.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 4v4 Scissor Cup

   15m

   Set up: One 4v4 game. Goals at each end.

   How to run it: Play a mini tournament: first to 3 goals wins. Any time a player does a scissor — whether successful or not — the whole team freezes for 1 second to appreciate the attempt. Celebrate bravery.

   • ›Game pace should be joyful and fast.
   • ›Freeze rule makes the move socially rewarded.
   • ›Coach narrates: 'SCISSOR ATTEMPT — freeze — nice try — and go!'

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle, seated.

   How to run it: Three slow big scissor swings with each foot, sitting down. Then stand, strike a superhero pose, and take a bow — the baby scissor is now YOUR move.

   • ›Celebrate individual bravery.
   • ›Preview next week's theme briefly.