⚽ Pre-Season
End of Pre-Season Assessment Game
Pre-season blocks only have value if the concepts transfer to match play.
End of Pre-Season Assessment Game — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
◆Why this drill works
Pre-season blocks only have value if the concepts transfer to match play. Most coaches end their pre-season with a straightforward practice match — useful for fitness but not for assessing development. This assessment game uses bonus scoring tied to the specific concepts from your pre-season block: pressing triggers, combination play, build-out from the back. The bonus scoring makes visible what's transferred and what hasn't, giving you the data to plan the first regular-season block.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Brief both teams on the bonus scoring before kickoff: explain every category and its point value.
- BONUS SCORING: pressing trigger executed = 2pts | combination play that creates a shot = 3pts | build-out from the back through the halfway line = 1pt | any goal = 1pt.
- Coach tracks bonus points on notepad throughout the game. Call them aloud when they occur — this reinforces the concepts mid-game.
- Run 2 × 20-minute halves. 5-minute break with one observation from the first half.
- Post-game debrief (5 min): 'how many pressing triggers did we execute? How many combination plays created shots? How many times did we build out from the back?'
- The team with the highest total (goals + bonus points) wins. The data — not the result — is what you take into week 1 of the season.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
- Good habits and standards set from day one
- Quality maintained as the workload builds
Correct when you see
- Going too hard too early — pre-season builds progressively
- Letting standards slip — set the tone now
- Neglecting recovery between sessions
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Agility Ladder | Build the base. | Check price → |
| Value | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Conditioning circuits. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Technical work. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is End of Pre-Season Assessment Game suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Build the intensity progressively and scale the workload to the group.
How many players do I need for End of Pre-Season Assessment Game?
This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does End of Pre-Season Assessment Game take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.