How To Structure Your Week

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model

TLDR

This programme gives players repeated opportunities to succeed in game moments under pressure, in duels, or with decisions to make. Those habits won’t build themselves but need time, repetition, and the right kind of variety.

Each week focuses on one core topic through the same four-part structure: Ball Mastery Warm-Up with short technical activity, Contextual Game Scenario with situation-based practice like 1v1 or 2v1, Small Sided Game with competitive format applying the skill dynamically, and Match-Related Play with free-play and minimal constraints.

I use the week to build repetition, not rush content. I revisit the same Master The Opponent session across the week, interleave with Master The Ball sessions for technical tools, vary setups slightly for new challenges, focus on key habits like decision-making and scanning, and observe more as the week goes on.

The 16-week spiral structure covers foundation (weeks 1-3 with receiving under pressure, using disguise, passing detail), duels (weeks 4-6 with first touch detail, 1v1 attacking and defending), advanced application (weeks 7-9 with beating goalkeeper, movement, physical duels), integration (weeks 10-12 applying skills competitively), and mastery (weeks 13-16 with increased complexity).

Implementation requires flexibility as some groups need longer on topics, quality over coverage because better to master 3 topics than rush through 9, and building through age groups with 7-8 years focusing on weeks 1-6 repeated twice, whilst 9-10 years complete all 16 weeks at the foundation level.

Master The Opponent - Advanced Decision-Making & Game Application

How To Structure Your Week

Let the session breathe. Build habits. Train the moment.

This programme is designed to give players repeated opportunities to succeed in the types of moments they’ll face in real games—under pressure, in duels, or with a decision to make.

But those habits won’t build themselves. They need time, repetition, and the right kind of variety.

Each Week Focuses on One Core Topic

You’ll see the same structure in every session:

1. Ball Mastery Warm-Up

A short technical activity with focus on repetition and preparation. Often game-connected, often a form of rondo or constrained repetition.

2. Contextual Game Scenario

A situation-based practice—usually 1v1, 2v1, or 2v2—that brings out the week’s focus under pressure or with a decision to make.

3. Small Sided Game (SSG)

A competitive game format where players try to apply the skill in a dynamic setting. These are often conditioned (e.g. gates, floaters, directional scoring) to spotlight the theme.

A free-play game with minimal rules or constraints. Players are encouraged to own their decisions, explore what they’ve learned, and bring everything together.

Use the Week to Build Repetition, Not Rush Content

You don’t need a new topic every session. Instead:

The goal is transfer, not just technique, but the ability to apply it under pressure.

What to Look For

Progress isn’t about a perfect move or a goal scored.

It’s about players making better decisions. When to play, when to protect, when to go forward. It’s about reading the moment and reacting with purpose.

That’s how habits stick. That’s how players learn to compete.

The 16-Week Spiral Structure

Weeks 1-3: Foundation

Weeks 4-6: Duels

Weeks 7-9: Advanced Application

Weeks 10-12: Integration

Weeks 13-16: Mastery

Implementation Notes

Flexibility is Key

Quality Over Coverage

Building Through the Age Groups

Remember: developmental readiness beats calendar age

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model