Session Pitch

Transition Decisions Festival

Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations.

U11–U1230 / 45 / 60 minRecommended 8–16 playersVersion 2.0.0

Week 6: possession changes several times and players stay in the previous role. Identify the new job at every transition and use one clear next action.

Defend Space and Connect · Week 6

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Dimensions include a 2 m perimeter buffer. Confirm clear space and a usable surface before play.

30 minutes combines the application challenge with the game. Every length includes instructions, water and transitions.

Open coach timer

ZIP includes coach cards, maps, timeline, rotations and JSON. To save a PDF, choose Save as PDF in your browser print dialog.

Player arrivals and departures

Use anonymous numbers from 1 to 99. Changes take effect before an activity begins; each activity needs 4–16 players.

    Your practice

    Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations.

    U11–U1260 min8 starting players28 × 34 mField practice

    Bring 8 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

    Look for progress

    • Name and take a useful new role when ownership changes.
    • Keep cover after a loss and complete a controlled connection after a regain.

    Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.

    1. 10:00–10:00Prepare the first decision
    2. 210:00–22:00Name the new role
    3. 322:00–25:00Water and reset
    4. 425:00–40:00Restart, recover and reconnect
    5. 540:00–55:00Use the choice in a game
    6. 655:00–60:00Recall one useful choice
    1

    Prepare the first decision

    10 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. In a four-person group, pass to change ownership, pause and name the new carrier, nearest defender, cover and receiver. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.

    Name the new job when possession changes. Each event changes the players movement and attention.

    Run the activity

    1. In a four-person group, pass to change ownership, pause and name the new carrier, nearest defender, cover and receiver.
    2. Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
    3. Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: Each event changes the players movement and attention.

    Play

    • In a four-person group, pass to change ownership, pause and name the new carrier, nearest defender, cover and receiver.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Each event changes the players movement and attention.

    If you see: Players continue the previous job after the event.

    Try: Stop the ball at the change and have every player point to their next position.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    7 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 420s activity · 60s briefing · 60s rest · 60s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Repeat the same event for two attempts.

    Next step: Use the event without announcing the required response.

    Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for name the new role.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
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    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    2

    Name the new role

    12 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Use four roles and one ball. Coach calls one starting event each round: side pass, turnover or intercepted roll.

    Name the new job when possession changes. Each event changes the players movement and attention.

    Run the activity

    1. For a side pass, exchange nearest and cover.
    2. For a turnover, recover the central route before delaying.
    3. For an intercepted roll, control and choose a short outlet; pause to name each new job.

    Play

    • For a side pass, exchange nearest and cover.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Each event changes the players movement and attention.

    If you see: Players continue the previous job after the event.

    Try: Stop the ball at the change and have every player point to their next position.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    10 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 600s activity · 60s briefing · 30s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Repeat the same event for two attempts.

    Next step: Use the event without announcing the required response.

    Move on: Stop in place, recall each event changes the players movement and attention. and walk to water with the balls still.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    8 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    10 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
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    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    3

    Water and reset

    3 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: Players prepare both the first pass and the response to losing it.

    Name the new job when possession changes. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.

    Run the activity

    1. Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
    2. Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
    3. Name what to look for next: Players prepare both the first pass and the response to losing it.

    Play

    • Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.

    If you see: Players begin moving balls while others cross the area.

    Try: Keep every ball still until the area is clear and all players have heard the start signal.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    Timing: 0s activity · 30s briefing · 120s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Demonstrate only the first action, then begin slowly.

    Next step: Invite a player to point out the next receiving or observation position.

    Move on: Show the first decision in restart, recover and reconnect before the restart signal.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    Rest1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    4

    Restart, recover and reconnect

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Use an end-line restart with one receiver and two non-contact defenders. A coach-directed change of ownership starts the next transition.

    Name the new job when possession changes. Players prepare both the first pass and the response to losing it.

    Run the activity

    1. Receiver shows an open angle; server restarts along the ground while defenders keep clear.
    2. After the announced turnover, former attackers recover and former defenders offer an outlet.
    3. Stop at the next completed pass and identify one useful role change before resetting.

    Play

    • Receiver shows an open angle; server restarts along the ground while defenders keep clear.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Players prepare both the first pass and the response to losing it.

    If you see: The restart server remains on the line after possession changes.

    Try: Identify their recovery route before the next restart.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    12 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Announce the change and hold the ball still while roles reset.

    Next step: Let a loose-pass interception trigger the transition instead of the coach call.

    Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Alternate round goals: protect a target, recover after loss, then intercept and connect; keep ground play and no body or foot tackles.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart turnover using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Prepare the restart: Show a receiver before the ground restart. 2. Change the ball owner: An announced pass changes which side has the ball. 3. Recover and reconnect: Former attackers recover; the new side offers an outlet.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart turnover using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Prepare the restart: Show a receiver before the ground restart. 2. Change the ball owner: An announced pass changes which side has the ball. 3. Recover and reconnect: Former attackers recover; the new side offers an outlet.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    8 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    10 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    11 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    12 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    5

    Use the choice in a game

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Alternate round goals: protect a target, recover after loss, then intercept and connect; keep ground play and no body or foot tackles. Use the numbered teams and neutral roles for this pitch. Agree line targets inside the shown area. Restart with a gentle ground pass; opponents retreat at least two metres until the first touch.

    Name the new job when possession changes. Across the game rounds, record a covered target, a central recovery and a controlled first connection; choose the least secure one for the next practice.

    Run the activity

    1. Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Alternate round goals: protect a target, recover after loss, then intercept and connect; keep ground play and no body or foot tackles.
    2. Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
    3. At the next pause, give one observed example: Across the game rounds, record a covered target, a central recovery and a controlled first connection; choose the least secure one for the next practice.

    Play

    • Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Alternate round goals: protect a target, recover after loss, then intercept and connect; keep ground play and no body or foot tackles.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Across the game rounds, record a covered target, a central recovery and a controlled first connection; choose the least secure one for the next practice.

    If you see: The restart server remains on the line after possession changes.

    Try: Identify their recovery route before the next restart.

    Organisation

    2 pitches. Teams use numbered A/B slots. Odd groups use a neutral who helps the team with the ball. Rotate slot assignments between rounds; everyone plays and each odd-pitch player takes a neutral turn.

    4 rounds × 180 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Announce the change and hold the ball still while roles reset.

    Next step: Let a loose-pass interception trigger the transition instead of the coach call.

    Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart turnover using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Prepare the restart: Show a receiver before the ground restart. 2. Change the ball owner: An announced pass changes which side has the ball. 3. Recover and reconnect: Former attackers recover; the new side offers an outlet.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart turnover using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Prepare the restart: Show a receiver before the ground restart. 2. Change the ball owner: An announced pass changes which side has the ball. 3. Recover and reconnect: Former attackers recover; the new side offers an outlet.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
    2 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
    3 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
    4 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 2 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    6

    Recall one useful choice

    5 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: Which transition needs another practice?

    Name the new job when possession changes. Name and take a useful new role when ownership changes. Keep cover after a loss and complete a controlled connection after a regain.

    Run the activity

    1. Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
    2. Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: Which transition needs another practice?
    3. Share one observed example or say that you need another look; count the players and equipment before finishing.

    Play

    • Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Name and take a useful new role when ownership changes. Keep cover after a loss and complete a controlled connection after a regain.

    If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.

    Try: Ask for one specific example: Across the game rounds, record a covered target, a central recovery and a controlled first connection; choose the least secure one for the next practice.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    2 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 120s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Allow a pointing gesture or one word instead of a spoken explanation.

    Next step: Invite a player to explain what they would change if the same route closed next time.

    Move on: Check every player and collect stationary equipment before leaving the area.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Link delay, cover, recovery and a controlled first connection across changing game situations. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1)
    2 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    After the practice

    Which transition needs another practice?

    Choose an observation and find your next practice

    Related practices

    Recover the Middle FirstTeam Decisions FestivalRecover the Ball