Week 35

Outcomes

• ✓Players can pass the ball to a teammate who is closer to or better-placed for goal.
• ✓Players can make a run after passing to be ready for a return pass.
• ✓Players can celebrate an assist as enthusiastically as a 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: Pairs, one ball per pair, goals around the space.

   How to run it: Pairs pass to each other while moving, then one shoots at a goal. No rules — just find a way to score together. 'You two are a team — work it out!'

   • ›Watch if anyone instinctively passes to a better-placed partner.
   • ›Praise collaboration louder than individual skill.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Passing Chain

   8m

   Set up: Groups of three in a triangle, 5 yards apart. One ball per group.

   How to run it: Pass around the triangle as fast as possible — count passes in 60 seconds. Beat your own record in three rounds. Add a 'surprise direction' — coach yells 'SWITCH!' and the ball reverses.

   • ›First touch should open the body toward the next player.
   • ›Call for the ball — 'YES!' or a wave.
   • ›Fast hands-free high-fives after each round.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Give and Go to Goal

   12m

   Set up: Pairs with one ball, one small goal each pair 10 yards away. Player A starts 10 yards from goal, Player B starts 5 yards from goal to the side.

   How to run it: Player A passes to Player B (closer to goal), then sprints forward. Player B shoots first time. Rotate: A becomes B, B becomes A. Count pair goals in 90 seconds. Four rounds.

   • ›A: pass then move — don't stand still.
   • ›B: one touch, shoot — don't hold the ball.
   • ›Both celebrate the goal together.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Assist Rules

   15m

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

   How to run it: Normal 3v3, BUT a goal only counts if at least one pass was made before the shot. Solo dribble goals are fine socially but not on the score. Two 7-minute games with a short break.

   • ›Encourage passing even in tight spaces.
   • ›Don't stop play to correct — let the rule teach.
   • ›Acknowledge any beautiful pass-then-shoot combination loudly.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Players in a circle with one ball being passed slowly around.

   How to run it: When the ball reaches you, say the name of the player who passed to you and thank them. 'Thanks, Marcus!' Pass it on. Go around twice. End with a group clap rhythm.

   • ›Reinforce appreciation and team values.
   • ›Keep the tone warm and positive.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can identify a teammate who is in a better position to shoot.
• ✓Players can make a well-timed run after making a pass.
• ✓Players can work as a unit to create and convert shooting chances.

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: Pairs or trios with one ball. Goals around the space.

   How to run it: Teams of 2–3 arrive and work together — passing and shooting freely at any goal. Coach claps loudly for any pass that leads to a goal.

   • ›Clapping = positive reinforcement, no words needed yet.
   • ›Let kids form their own groups.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Four-Corners Passing

   8m

   Set up: Place four goals/cones in the corners of the 20x20 yard area. Groups of four, one ball per group.

   How to run it: Pass around all four corners, following your pass each time. See how many passes the group completes in 60 seconds. Add a rule: receiver must say 'GOT IT!' before the ball arrives.

   • ›Communication before the pass is the key habit.
   • ›Quick first touch, accurate pass.
   • ›Celebrate group records.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: One-Two to Score

   12m

   Set up: Trios: one feeder at the side, two players — a passer and a finisher — facing the goal 10 yards away.

   How to run it: Feeder plays to the Passer. Passer lays the ball off to the Finisher with one touch. Finisher shoots. Rotate all three positions after each round. Count goals in 90 seconds.

   • ›Passer: open body to lay off quickly.
   • ›Finisher: check run to meet the ball.
   • ›Celebrate the assist and the goal the same.

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

   15m

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

   How to run it: Play three 5-minute games. Coaches announce: 'This game, we CHEER the passer!' When a goal is scored, the first cheer goes to whoever gave the final pass. Teams rotate after each game.

   • ›Consistently cheer the assist in every game.
   • ›Players begin to look for passing opportunities when they know it is celebrated.
   • ›Fast restarts, keep momentum.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Players sit in a circle.

   How to run it: Coach asks: 'Who gave the best pass today?' Players nominate teammates (not themselves). Most-nominated player takes a bow. Everyone gets a high-five. Club cheer.

   • ›Reinforce generosity and team thinking.
   • ›Every player should receive at least a high-five.