Week 9

Outcomes

• ✓Players can place their body between the ball and an opponent.
• ✓Players can shield a stationary ball for 5 seconds.
• ✓Players can shield while slowly dribbling away from pressure.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 20 flat cones
• 4 small pop-up goals
• 1 pinnie per player

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: 20x20 grid with balls. Pairs spontaneously form — one has a ball, one tries to get it.

   How to run it: Let players arrive and naturally find partners. The player with the ball tries to keep it. The other tries to get it. Change every 30 seconds. Pure instinctive play.

   • ›Watch which players naturally use their body versus just running.
   • ›No coaching — observe how they naturally protect the ball.
   • ›Pair similarly-sized players where possible.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Octopus Treasure Guard

   8m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. Each player stands by a ball (their treasure). Two players are octopuses (no ball) who try to steal treasure.

   How to run it: Octopuses try to kick balls away. Players with treasure use their body to protect it — step over it, turn away, lean. If your treasure is stolen, retrieve it, do 5 toe-taps, and return. Swap octopus role every 90 seconds.

   • ›Cue: 'put your whole body between you and the octopus!'
   • ›Wide legs and low center of gravity help balance.
   • ›Praise any successful shield — even a second counts.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — Shield the Crystal

   12m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. Pairs facing each other 3 yards apart. One has a ball.

   How to run it: Player A shields the ball from player B, who applies gentle pressure (no stealing — just nudging). Player A holds the shield for 5 seconds, then releases and they swap. Progress to 10 seconds. Then to a moving shield: player A shields while slowly dribbling in a circle, player B stays close.

   • ›Side-on body position is key — cue 'show them your shoulder, not your face.'
   • ›Arms out for balance — 'like a scarecrow.'
   • ›Defender must be gentle — this is cooperative not competitive.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — 3v3 Keep Away

   15m

   Set up: Two 15x10 pitches. 3v3, but the goal is to keep the ball for 5 consecutive passes or shields (no scoring goals). Count passes/shields aloud.

   How to run it: Teams of 3 try to string together 5 passes or shields without losing the ball. Every string of 5 earns 1 point. When possession is lost, the other team starts counting. Rotate every 4 minutes.

   • ›No-goal format puts possession and shielding front and center.
   • ›Praise shielding moves that protect the ball.
   • ›Counting together keeps the whole team engaged.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle. Pairs stand back-to-back with a ball between them, held at hip height.

   How to run it: Pairs try to walk together without dropping the ball — 5 steps left, 5 steps right. Then sit down for the Hearts Cheer. Homework reminder.

   • ›Back-to-back ball carry is cooperative and fun.
   • ›Laughter is the right outcome.
   • ›Calm exit — session was physically demanding.

Outcomes

• ✓Players use shielding to protect the ball during games.
• ✓Players can shield and then play the ball to a teammate.
• ✓Players understand that shielding is a positive skill, not stalling.

Equipment

• 1 size-3 ball per player
• 24 flat cones
• 4 small pop-up goals
• 1 pinnie per player

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. One ball per player. A hula hoop 'safe zone' in each corner.

   How to run it: Players dribble freely. If they reach a safe zone and shield their ball inside it for 3 seconds, they earn a point. Natural shielding practice built into free play.

   • ›Safe zones reward going to them and shielding — not just running away.
   • ›Count points enthusiastically.
   • ›Keep it loose — no rules except the shield-in-zone.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game — Ninja Keepers

   8m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. Every player has a ball. Two ninja attackers (no ball) try to steal balls.

   How to run it: Ninjas move silently and try to steal balls. Everyone else shields while dribbling. If your ball is stolen, do 3 toe-taps and re-enter. Swap ninjas every 90 seconds. Players must use body shielding — no just kicking away.

   • ›Ninja pressure is consistent — forces continuous shielding.
   • ›Cue: 'turn your back to the ninja — show them your number!'
   • ›Praise the shield, not just the survival.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game — Ship and Lighthouse

   12m

   Set up: 20x20 grid. One player is the lighthouse (stands still, waves arms). Others are ships with balls. Two players are 'storms' (no ball).

   How to run it: Ships must dribble to the lighthouse and shield their ball next to them for 3 seconds to be 'safe.' Storms try to steal balls along the way. Once safe, ships sail back out. Swap lighthouse and storms every 2 minutes.

   • ›Destination (lighthouse) gives shielding a purpose.
   • ›Multiple roles keep everyone engaged.
   • ›Narrate the story to keep the theme alive.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games — Shielding Festival

   15m

   Set up: Three 12x10 mini-pitches. 3v3 round-robin with regular goals.

   How to run it: 3v3 regular play. Introduce 'shield point': if a player shields the ball for 3 seconds in the opponent's half, their team earns a bonus point. Coach calls it: 'SHIELD POINT!' Rotate every 4 minutes.

   • ›Shield point puts a concrete reward on the skill in a game.
   • ›Watch for and celebrate the shield turning into a pass.
   • ›Balance: goals and shield points both praised equally.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Circle. Each player hugs their ball.

   How to run it: Ask: 'What was the hardest shield you did today?' Share one answer each. Then: 'Show me your shield pose!' Everyone stands in their best shield stance. Photo moment if parents are watching. Hearts Cheer.

   • ›Shield pose is empowering — strong body language.
   • ›Reinforce: shielding is brave, not cowardly.
   • ›Celebrate the week's growth.