Week 24

Outcomes

• ✓Players can chain a sole-roll into a burst.
• ✓Players can combine a scissor with a direction change.
• ✓Players can attempt a personal two-move sequence unprompted.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 4 pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with balls. Written on a cone (coach reads aloud): 'Invent a 2-move combo!'

   How to run it: Players arrive and experiment — string any two moves together. No rules. Coach joins in and tries silly combos.

   • ›No wrong answers in this phase.
   • ›Watch for natural combinations — note them for later.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Move of the Day Chain

   8m

   Set up: Everyone with a ball, dribbling freely.

   How to run it: Coach calls out two moves back to back: 'SOLE-STOP then BURST!' — players execute in sequence while moving. Repeat 5 times, then swap the second move: 'SOLE-STOP then SCISSOR!' etc.

   • ›Pause between moves is fine — the chain is the goal.
   • ›Say the moves aloud as they do them — verbal + motor learning.
   • ›Celebrate weird combinations too.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Combo Station

   12m

   Set up: Mark 3 stations with cones: Station 1 = sole-roll + burst; Station 2 = scissor + direction change; Station 3 = stop-and-go + inside cut. Players rotate every 3 minutes.

   How to run it: At each station, players practise their assigned combo against a lone standing cone as the 'defender'. Five goes then move. Coach circulates and gives one tip per player.

   • ›Setup the move: approach slow, execute, accelerate away.
   • ›Each move has a purpose — the first tricks, the second goes.
   • ›Individual feedback: 'Bigger swing on the scissor!'

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

   15m

   Set up: Two 3v3 games. Standard goals.

   How to run it: Play 3v3. If a player uses any recognisable two-move combo before scoring, the goal is worth 3. Single moves = 2. Normal goal = 1. Coach watches and decides points.

   • ›Encourage creativity — unusual combos count.
   • ›Defenders: be active — make the combo necessary.
   • ›This is about joy in movement, not tactical perfection.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: Players invent and name their personal combo. Go round the circle: 'My move is the [Name] Special — it goes [description]!' Applause for each one.

   • ›Personal ownership of a move is powerful for identity.
   • ›Remember the names — use them next session.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can execute a personal move combo under game pressure.
• ✓Players can adapt their combo based on where the defender is.
• ✓Players can appreciate and cheer teammates' unique combos.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 4 pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with balls.

   How to run it: Players arrive and teach their personal combo to one other player. Swap combos and try each other's.

   • ›Teaching is the deepest learning.
   • ›Laughter when they try each other's moves is perfect.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Combo Exhibition

   8m

   Set up: Players in a loose circle. One player at a time in the centre with a ball.

   How to run it: Each player does their signature combo in the centre — 15 seconds each. Everyone claps and copies the move after. Quick rotation — every player gets a turn.

   • ›Cheer every player equally — no comparisons.
   • ›Coach models an intentionally silly combo to lower the stakes.
   • ›Copy each other — cross-pollination of skills.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: 1v1 Combo Showdown

   12m

   Set up: Four 1v1 zones, 6x8 yards. Pairs compete.

   How to run it: Attacker tries to cross the end line using at least one combo move. Defender tries to win the ball. Score 2 for a combo crossing, 1 for any crossing. Three goes each, rotate partners.

   • ›Attackers: set the defender up before the combo.
   • ›Defenders: patience — don't dive at the combo.
   • ›Celebrate creative attempts more than successful outcomes.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 4v4 Dream Team

   15m

   Set up: One 4v4 game with standard goals.

   How to run it: Play 4v4. Teams earn a 'Dream Team' bonus round if all four players use a move combo in the same game. Coach tracks per-player and announces when it happens. Normal goals score too.

   • ›Collective reward encourages each player to try.
   • ›No pressure on reluctant players — but peer encouragement will flow naturally.
   • ›High energy, big celebrations.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: Everyone does their personal combo one last time seated (mimed slowly). Then give each other a standing ovation. High-fives all round and big cheer: 'Austin Hearts!'

   • ›Club identity and belonging — end on community.
   • ›Remind them next week they'll show off in the biggest games yet.