Pitch Playbook

Core Skill 04

THE INSTEP STRIKE

Laces Power & Corner Finishing

Toe Down & Laces

Point your toes straight down to the grass. Strike directly with the hard shoelaces surface.

Cue: "Toes to grass, hit laces"

Chest Over the Ball

Keep your head down and chest leaning over the ball to keep the trajectory low and hard.

Cue: "Never lean back"

Pick the Corners

Aim for the bottom corners where it is hardest to defend. Follow through toward your target.

Cue: "Low and into corners"

Lesson 4 Breakdown • Pitch Playbook Slide 5 of 6

Game Application

4v4 DIAMOND TACTICS

Spread Out & Move

Diamond Shape

1 Anchor in back, 2 Wings on the sidelines, 1 Striker up front. Never bunch together!

"Make two passing options"

Pass & Move

When you pass, immediately sprint to open space to receive a return give-and-go pass.

"Don't watch, run to open space"

Spirit of the Game

Encourage teammates, high-five after plays, and shake hands with the other team after the whistle.

"Effort, Respect, Fun!"

Match Play Principles • Pitch Playbook Slide 6 of 6

1. Catch the Egg Withdraw foot slightly on contact to absorb ball speed.

2. Touch into Space First touch exits out of feet toward left or right cone.

3. Open Body Angle Open hips toward the direction you plan to exit next.

Drill Routine: Server sends a firm pass into the square. Receiver traps with inside of foot, pushes ball toward a side gate with touch #1, and passes back with touch #2. Rotate roles every 6 repetitions.

🥉 BRONZE Control 5 passes within the box boundary.

🥈 SILVER Exit through designated left/right gate in 2 touches.

🥇 GOLD Receive bouncing ball, trap with sole, exit smoothly.

Spotter Check: Did the receiver keep the ball moving rather than stopping it dead? STATION C

D

Station Task Card • Skill 04

CORNER POCKET SNIPER STRIKE

Shooting & Finishing

Setup: Goal with 2-foot target zones in bottom corners.

Equipment: 4 balls, pop-up goal, cones, target vests.

Focus: Instep laces strike, placement over power.

Key Coaching Cues

1. Toes Down, Laces Point toe to grass; strike with shoelace knot firmly.

2. Chest Over Ball Shoulders forward; keeps ball driving low into corners.

3. Step Through Land on your kicking foot after the strike.

Drill Routine: Dribble 3 yards toward shooting line (12 yards from goal). Take one preparation touch at a 45-degree angle, then strike firmly aiming for the corner targets. Retrieve and rotate.

🥉 BRONZE Put 4 of 6 shots on target under crossbar.

🥈 SILVER Hit bottom corner pocket 3 times with laces strike.

🥇 GOLD Hit target zones 3 times using non-dominant foot.

Spotter Check: Did your partner land on their striking foot after shooting? STATION D

5 – 8 Points Emerging Tier

9 – 12 Points Developing Tier

13 – 17 Points Proficient Tier (Target)

18 – 20 Points Advanced Tier

Pitch Playbook • Assessment Guide Page 1 of 2

Formative Assessment

TEACHER OBSERVATION CHECKLIST

Scoring: 1 = Emerging, 2 = Developing, 3 = Proficient, 4 = Advanced

Student Self-Reflection Ticket

MY SOCCER GROWTH PASSPORT

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____________ Period: _____

1. Skill Confidence Check (Circle your comfort level for each skill: 1 = Learning, 4 = Mastered)

Dribbling

1 2 3 4

Push Passing

1 2 3 4

First Touch Trap

1 2 3 4

Shooting / Finish

1 2 3 4

2. Growth Highlight: What skill did you improve the most during this unit, and which coaching cue helped you?

3. Teamwork & Fair Play: How did you support or communicate with your teammates during the 4v4 games?

Pitch Playbook • Assessment Guide Page 2 of 2