See the picture: Game to four goals
Look away from the ball early enough to identify pressure, space, and the next useful option.
Why this design: Changing visual information gives every scan a purpose and makes the following touch or movement reveal whether the player used it.
Organize before explaining
Position colored gates or targets around the area and use partners or small groups to provide changing information. Build a small-sided field with two goals spaced widely on each end line, balanced teams, and spare balls beside both touchlines.
- Space
- 30 × 35 yards
- Equipment
- 1 game ball · spare balls · 16 cones · pinnies · 4 mini goals
- Play one uninterrupted round with normal scoring while the coach observes where the focus behavior already appears.
- Play to four goals; the coach observes shoulder checks and asks between rounds how players found the less-defended goal.
- Play three four-minute games with a one-minute question and water break; restart quickly from the nearest spare ball. During play, coach only this action: Check while the ball is traveling or before moving, then return eyes to the ball for contact and act on the useful information.
- Progression: Add a defender whose starting side changes so the receiver must scan and choose the safer direction.
- Ask, “What information helped you decide before the ball reached you?” Listen to two answers, then replay so players can test an idea.
Success you can see
- The head moves before the ball arrives.
- The player identifies a relevant cue, not just any object.
- The next touch or movement responds to what was seen.
Scan before the action · Find pressure and space · Let the picture change the choice
What information helped you decide before the ball reached you?
Use two large, differently colored options and reveal the cue early.
Change the cue late or allow a defender to remove one option as the ball travels.
Engagement and safety
Keep score only within short rounds, remix uneven teams promptly, and use at most one focus bonus so the game stays recognizable.
Anchor or use collapsible goals, keep spare balls off the field, and prohibit slide tackling in crowded areas. Check the surface and equipment before players enter the area, and offer a non-contact entry level.
If it breaks down
- If players glance without using information, ask them to point or move toward the option they saw before the pass arrives.
- If the game crowds around one goal, widen the goal spacing and ask which opposite goal is now open rather than adding a mandatory rule.