Week 29

Outcomes

• ✓Players can dribble toward a goal and strike at the end of their run.
• ✓Players can set the ball to a comfortable shooting distance before kicking.
• ✓Players can keep their head up while dribbling to spot the goal.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 6 small flat-cone goals
• 16 cones
• pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Three small goals placed around the area. Every player has a ball.

   How to run it: Players dribble freely and shoot at any goal when they get close. No turns, no lines — just go. Tell them: 'Dribble up, then BOOM!'

   • ›Watch if players rush the shot — note it for later.
   • ›Encourage players to use both feet during free play.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Pirate Ships

   8m

   Set up: All players with a ball in the 25x20 yard area. Four cones mark 'harbour islands' in the corners.

   How to run it: Players are pirates protecting their treasure (ball). Coach calls 'SAIL!' — everyone dribbles full speed around one harbour. 'ANCHOR!' — stop ball under foot. 'CANNONBALL!' — shoot at nearest goal. Play continuously.

   • ›On CANNONBALL, watch that players set up before shooting — not toe-poking on the run.
   • ›Praise players who look up before calling CANNONBALL.
   • ›Keep pace of calls quick and fun.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Dribble Runway

   12m

   Set up: Create four 'runways' using cones — each runway is 10 yards long with a small goal at the end. Players start at the beginning of their runway with a ball.

   How to run it: Player dribbles the full runway, sets the ball, and shoots. Walk back, next player goes. Switch runways every 90 seconds. Make it faster each round. Never more than two players per runway.

   • ›Remind players to slow slightly at the end of the runway to set up the shot.
   • ›Last touch before shooting should be forward, not sideways.
   • ›Celebrate goals and near-misses equally.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Dribble-to-Shoot

   15m

   Set up: Two 3v3 games on 15x10 yard pitches. Small goals each end. No goalkeeper.

   How to run it: Goals only count if the scorer dribbled the ball at least 3 yards before shooting. Coach counts '1-2-3 yards' aloud to help players understand. Restart with kick-in when out of play.

   • ›Praise players who drive toward goal rather than shooting from distance.
   • ›If a goal is disallowed, redirect positively: 'Great shot — next time dribble a bit more first!'
   • ›Keep games flowing — no long stoppages.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Players walk a slow lap with their ball, showing off their best skill move.

   How to run it: Each player shows one dribble move while walking. Everyone else copies it. Coach names the move after the player: 'The Sofia Shimmy!' End with high-fives all around.

   • ›Celebrate creativity and individuality.
   • ›Keep it light — no wrong answers.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can combine dribbling and shooting in a real game context.
• ✓Players can track and share their goals scored with the team.
• ✓Players can cheer for teammates who drive toward goal.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 8 small flat-cone goals
• 20 cones
• 2 sets of pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: All goals up. Every player with a ball shooting freely.

   How to run it: Free dribble-and-shoot at any goal. Coach narrates exciting commentary: 'She's on the dribble — CAN SHE SCORE?!' No structure — pure play.

   • ›Build excitement about the festival.
   • ›Watch players' body shape when they shoot on the run.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Space Explorer

   8m

   Set up: All players with a ball. Cones mark four 'planets' in the corners of the area.

   How to run it: Players are astronauts dribbling through space. Coach calls a planet — everyone dribbles there together. First five players to arrive high-five. Race to each planet for 8 minutes.

   • ›Encourage looking up to spot the planet before arriving.
   • ›No barging or colliding — safe space travel!
   • ›Fastest dribblers get first high-fives, not first in line.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Obstacle Blast

   12m

   Set up: Lay out two simple obstacle courses side by side: 4 cones to zig-zag through, then a small goal at the end 6 yards away.

   How to run it: Players dribble through the cones and shoot at the goal at the end. Count goals scored. Change which foot to shoot with each round. Teams compete: which team scores more in 2 minutes?

   • ›Zig-zag with quick inside-of-foot touches.
   • ›Set the ball up before shooting — don't rush.
   • ›Team cheering encouraged.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: Mini-Match Festival

   15m

   Set up: Three 3v3 or 4v4 games on small pitches. Goals each end. No goalkeepers.

   How to run it: Play three 5-minute games with team rotations. Encourage players to shout 'I'M DRIVING!' when they dribble toward goal so teammates clear space. Loud cheering for every goal.

   • ›Reward bravery — shooting attempts even when blocked.
   • ›Encourage teammates to support the dribbler by staying wide.
   • ›Keep games flowing with quick kick-in restarts.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Players sit in a group with their ball.

   How to run it: Coach asks: 'Who did a dribble-then-shoot today?' Everyone who did stands up for a cheer. Sit back down for the club cheer. Collect balls together as a team.

   • ›Frame collection as a team responsibility, not a chore.
   • ›End on a high — big cheer, big smiles.