Session Pitch

Cross the Moving Window

Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route.

U830 / 45 / 60 minRecommended 6–10 playersVersion 2.0.0

Week 5: a crossing route opens and closes as another player moves. Enter only when there is clear space; waiting can be a useful decision.

Control, Look and Turn · Week 5

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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.

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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

    Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route.

    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

    • Pause outside an occupied route rather than follow into it.
    • Recheck the route immediately before travelling.

    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. 210:00–22:00Wait outside the window
    3. 322:00–25:00Water and reset
    4. 425:00–40:00Wait, turn or return
    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. Stand with a still ball, watch a partner point across the route, and name whether the window is open or closed. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.

    See the window before entering it. The pause occurs before entry, with the ball close.

    Run the activity

    1. Stand with a still ball, watch a partner point across the route, and name whether the window is open or closed.
    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 pause occurs before entry, with the ball close.

    Play

    • Stand with a still ball, watch a partner point across the route, and name whether the window is open or closed.
    • 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 pause occurs before entry, with the ball close.

    If you see: The carrier drifts into the closed window while looking up.

    Try: Use a still-ball check at the waiting point.

    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: Keep the window open for the entire journey.

    Next step: Vary how long the observer keeps the route closed.

    Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for wait outside the window.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show scan space 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. Look before moving: Name a space with room for the next touch. 2. Travel to clear space: Keep the ball close along the clear route. 3. Look up again: Pause and check before moving again.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show scan space 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. Look before moving: Name a space with room for the next touch. 2. Travel to clear space: Keep the ball close along the clear route. 3. Look up again: Pause and check before moving again.

    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

    2

    Wait outside the window

    12 min

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

    A signal observer stands safely beside a named crossing window. A receiver waits beyond it within the station.

    See the window before entering it. The pause occurs before entry, with the ball close.

    Run the activity

    1. Observer shows closed while the carrier approaches at walking pace.
    2. Carrier stops before the window and looks again.
    3. When open, carry through with small touches and stop near the receiver.

    Play

    • Observer shows closed while the carrier approaches at walking pace.
    • 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 pause occurs before entry, with the ball close.

    If you see: The carrier drifts into the closed window while looking up.

    Try: Use a still-ball check at the waiting point.

    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: Keep the window open for the entire journey.

    Next step: Vary how long the observer keeps the route closed.

    Move on: Stop in place, recall the pause occurs before entry, with the ball close. 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show scan space 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. Look before moving: Name a space with room for the next touch. 2. Travel to clear space: Keep the ball close along the clear route. 3. Look up again: Pause and check before moving again.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show scan space 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. Look before moving: Name a space with room for the next touch. 2. Travel to clear space: Keep the ball close along the clear route. 3. Look up again: Pause and check before moving again.

    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

    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: Players choose waiting or recycling without crowding the closed route.

    See the window before entering it. 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 choose waiting or recycling without crowding the closed route.

    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 wait, turn or return 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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

    Wait, turn or return

    15 min

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

    Name a forward window and a side return route. The observer may close the window while the carrier waits.

    See the window before entering it. Players choose waiting or recycling without crowding the closed route.

    Run the activity

    1. Check the forward window while controlling the ball.
    2. If it opens, walk through; if it stays closed, turn and use the return receiver.
    3. After a return, change angle and look for the next opening.

    Play

    • Check the forward window while controlling the ball.
    • 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 choose waiting or recycling without crowding the closed route.

    If you see: Waiting becomes a long stationary queue with no alternative considered.

    Try: Ask the carrier to identify the return option after a second closed cue.

    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 one clear open cue followed by one known return cue.

    Next step: Open a different side window after the return pass.

    Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Score by carrying into an empty end zone after checking the route; stop and recycle if the entry becomes occupied.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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. 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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: 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

    5

    Use the choice in a game

    15 min

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

    Score by carrying into an empty end zone after checking the route; stop and recycle if the entry becomes occupied. 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.

    See the window before entering it. Notice the moment a player stops, rechecks and enters only after the route is clear.

    Run the activity

    1. Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score by carrying into an empty end zone after checking the route; stop and recycle if the entry becomes occupied.
    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 the moment a player stops, rechecks and enters only after the route is clear.

    Play

    • Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score by carrying into an empty end zone after checking the route; stop and recycle if the entry becomes occupied.
    • 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 the moment a player stops, rechecks and enters only after the route is clear.

    If you see: Waiting becomes a long stationary queue with no alternative considered.

    Try: Ask the carrier to identify the return option after a second closed cue.

    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 one clear open cue followed by one known return cue.

    Next step: Open a different side window after the return pass.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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

    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: When did waiting create a better route?

    See the window before entering it. Pause outside an occupied route rather than follow into it. Recheck the route immediately before travelling.

    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: When did waiting create a better route?
    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

    Pause outside an occupied route rather than follow into it. Recheck the route immediately before travelling.

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

    Try: Ask for one specific example: Notice the moment a player stops, rechecks and enters only after the route is clear.

    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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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: Pause, turn or travel according to the space in a changing crossing route. 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

    After the practice

    When did waiting create a better route?

    Choose an observation and find your next practice

    Related practices

    Turn Out or ReturnControl Choices TrailFind the Space