Session Pitch
All sessions / U8

Check Behind, Turn Ahead

Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit.

U830 / 45 / 60 minRecommended 6–10 playersVersion 2.0.0

Week 2: a receiver has room behind them but does not check it until the ball arrives. Make the check while the server still has control.

Control, Look and Turn · Week 2

Adapt for your team

Customize your session

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

    Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit.

    U860 min6 starting players20 × 25 mField practice

    Bring 6 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

    Look for progress

    • Check behind before asking for the pass.
    • Use the checked side for a controlled first touch and turn.

    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. 210:00–22:00Check, return the eyes, receive
    3. 322:00–25:00Water and reset
    4. 425:00–40:00Turn into the checked space
    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 · 6 attending

    Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. Turn the head toward each shoulder, name the open side and return the eyes to the server before a soft pass. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. The receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels.

    Run the activity

    1. Turn the head toward each shoulder, name the open side and return the eyes to the server before a soft pass.
    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: The receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels.

    Play

    • Turn the head toward each shoulder, name the open side and return the eyes to the server before a soft pass.
    • 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

    The receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels.

    If you see: The shoulder check starts too late and the pass surprises the receiver.

    Try: Server waits until the receiver looks back and asks for the ball.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 120s 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: Signal the same shoulder for two attempts.

    Next step: Change the side between serves without a spoken prompt.

    Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for check, return the eyes, receive.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    Round-by-round player roles

    C = carrier · R = receiver · Q = signal observer. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.

    PlayerStationR1
    60s    		R2
    60s    		R3
    60s    		R4
    60s    		R5
    60s    		R6
    60s    		R7
    60s
    11CQRCQRC
    22CQRCQRC
    31RCQRCQR
    42RCQRCQR
    51QRCQRCQ
    62QRCQRCQ
    2

    Check, return the eyes, receive

    12 min

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

    Use a server, receiver and signal observer. The observer stands to a side of the receiver, outside the pass route.

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. The receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels.

    Run the activity

    1. Observer shows left or right while the ball is still.
    2. Receiver checks the signal, opens that side and says ready.
    3. Server passes; receiver guides a touch into the checked space and turns.

    Play

    • Observer shows left or right while the ball is still.
    • 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

    The receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels.

    If you see: The shoulder check starts too late and the pass surprises the receiver.

    Try: Server waits until the receiver looks back and asks for the ball.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 120s 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: Signal the same shoulder for two attempts.

    Next step: Change the side between serves without a spoken prompt.

    Move on: Stop in place, recall the receiver returns their eyes to the ball before it travels. and walk to water with the balls still.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    8 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2)
    9 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2)
    10 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    Round-by-round player roles

    C = carrier · R = receiver · Q = signal observer. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.

    PlayerStationR1
    60s    		R2
    60s    		R3
    60s    		R4
    60s    		R5
    60s    		R6
    60s    		R7
    60s    		R8
    60s    		R9
    60s    		R10
    60s
    11CQRCQRCQRC
    22CQRCQRCQRC
    31RCQRCQRCQR
    42RCQRCQRCQR
    51QRCQRCQRCQ
    62QRCQRCQRCQ
    3

    Water and reset

    3 min

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

    Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The body prepares from the information gathered behind.

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. 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: The body prepares from the information gathered behind.

    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 turn into the checked space before the restart signal.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. 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)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    4

    Turn into the checked space

    15 min

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

    Two exit spaces lie behind the receiver. The observer names one occupied exit before the server is allowed to pass.

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. The body prepares from the information gathered behind.

    Run the activity

    1. Receiver checks both exits and identifies the free one.
    2. Call ready only after turning the body toward that side.
    3. Receive, turn and stop inside the free exit; explain what was checked.

    Play

    • Receiver checks both exits and identifies the free one.
    • 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

    The body prepares from the information gathered behind.

    If you see: The receiver sees the free side but turns toward the habitual foot.

    Try: Name the free exit aloud and point a toe toward it before serving.

    Organisation

    2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 120s 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: Use a full pause between check, ready call and serve.

    Next step: Observer changes the occupied side before each ready call.

    Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Score when a receiver checks behind, controls a ground pass and turns into an empty end zone.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show receive turn 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. Check the next space: Look away from the ball before it arrives. 2. Receive across the body: Guide the first touch toward the open side. 3. Turn and connect: Look up before the next ground pass.

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

    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    Round-by-round player roles

    C = carrier · R = receiver · Q = signal observer. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.

    PlayerStationR1
    60s    		R2
    60s    		R3
    60s    		R4
    60s    		R5
    60s    		R6
    60s    		R7
    60s    		R8
    60s    		R9
    60s    		R10
    60s    		R11
    60s    		R12
    60s
    11CQRCQRCQRCQR
    22CQRCQRCQRCQR
    31RCQRCQRCQRCQ
    42RCQRCQRCQRCQ
    51QRCQRCQRCQRC
    62QRCQRCQRCQRC
    5

    Use the choice in a game

    15 min

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

    Score when a receiver checks behind, controls a ground pass and turns into an empty end zone. 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.

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. Notice whether an end-zone receive is preceded by a check while the passer still has the ball.

    Run the activity

    1. Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score when a receiver checks behind, controls a ground pass and turns into an empty end zone.
    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: Notice whether an end-zone receive is preceded by a check while the passer still has the ball.

    Play

    • Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score when a receiver checks behind, controls a ground pass and turns into an empty end zone.
    • 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

    Notice whether an end-zone receive is preceded by a check while the passer still has the ball.

    If you see: The receiver sees the free side but turns toward the habitual foot.

    Try: Name the free exit aloud and point a toe toward it before serving.

    Organisation

    1 pitch. 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. Use a full pause between check, ready call and serve.

    Next step: Observer changes the occupied side before each ready call.

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

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered pitches, 6 numbered player slots, 1 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. 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.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered pitches, 6 numbered player slots, 1 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. 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 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 4: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 6: team B (station 1)
    2 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 4: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 6: team A (station 1)
    3 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 4: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 6: team B (station 1)
    4 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 4: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 6: team A (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 1 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    Round-by-round player roles

    A = team A · B = team B. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.

    PlayerStationR1
    180s    		R2
    180s    		R3
    180s    		R4
    180s
    11ABAB
    21BABA
    31ABAB
    41BABA
    51ABAB
    61BABA
    6

    Recall one useful choice

    5 min

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

    Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: What changed after your shoulder check?

    Check while the ball is still with your partner. Check behind before asking for the pass. Use the checked side for a controlled first touch and turn.

    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: What changed after your shoulder check?
    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

    Check behind before asking for the pass. Use the checked side for a controlled first touch and turn.

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

    Try: Ask for one specific example: Notice whether an end-zone receive is preceded by a check while the passer still has the ball.

    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.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use a shoulder check before receiving to choose the open turning exit. 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)
    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)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    Round-by-round player roles

    — = rest / reflect. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.

    PlayerStationR1
    60s    		R2
    60s
    11——
    21——
    31——
    41——
    51——
    61——

    After the practice

    What changed after your shoulder check?

    Choose an observation and find your next practice

    Related practices

    Boundary BrakesCorner EscapeDribble and Stop