Week 72 FUN Passing Warm-Up

Instructions/Setup:

This is a fun, competitive warm-up game with two teams, each working unopposed inside their own grid, aiming to score into their own mini goal. The grid is divided into four zones, spaced every 5 yards moving away from the mini goal.

Players start from different zones and try to score in their own goal. The further back the ball is played or carried from, the more points the team earns when they score. For example, a goal scored from the closest zone to the mini goal earns 1 point, while a goal scored from the furthest zone earns 4 points, with intermediate zones earning 2 or 3 points accordingly.

The game encourages players to balance risk and reward, deciding whether to take safer, closer scoring chances or attempt more challenging plays from further away for higher points.

Coaching Notes:

• Encourage Creativity – Players should explore dribbling, passing, and combination plays to progress through zones and maximize points.

• Risk vs Reward Awareness – Help players understand when to attempt long-range plays and when to prioritize possession with easier chances.

• Movement and Support – Emphasize off-ball movement to create passing options and maintain fluid attacking play inside each grid.

• Finishing Focus – Promote sharp, accurate finishing under different conditions and from varying distances.

Progression 1: Time-Limited Scoring Attempts

Set a time limit for each scoring attempt (e.g., 10 seconds) to increase urgency and decision speed.

Focus:

Improves quick attacking transitions and encourages sharp execution under time pressure.

Progression 2: Add Defensive Pressure

Introduce a passive defender inside each grid to apply light pressure during scoring attempts, increasing challenge and realism.

Focus:

Develops composure, creativity, and decision-making when under defensive pressure.