7v7 lesson · Beginner

Watch What Happens After the Shot

A wide midfielder reads a loose rebound or a goalkeeper’s controlled ball before deciding whether to approach or recover.

What the coach says

Our only forward shoots low. The right midfielder watches what happens next.
The ball comes off the keeper and rolls loose to the right.
The ball is loose. Which move reaches it?
Reach the rebound under control. The striker makes room instead of chasing into your path.
The next attempt reaches the keeper, who stops it and controls it at their feet.
The keeper controls the ball now. Where should you go?
Turn back toward midfield. The keeper keeps control while Blue offers passing options.
The loose rebound was reachable; the controlled ball was not. Look again after a shot before deciding to chase or recover.

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

Question 1
The ball is loose. Which move reaches it?
- Go to the loose ball
- Move toward midfield
Coach’s explanation: You can reach this loose rebound in a separate lane from the striker.
Question 2
The keeper has secured this ball before you can reach it. Which move helps defend the next pass?
- Keep running toward the ball
- Move back toward midfield
Coach’s explanation: The rebound chance has ended. Recover to help your team defend the next pass.
Question 3
True or false? The striker chases into your path.
- False
- True
Coach’s explanation: It's false. The striker makes room instead of chasing.
Question 4
Which picture shows a ball you can reach?
- After the first shot
- After the second shot
Coach’s explanation: The ball rolls loose near you, so you can reach it.
Question 5
Now the keeper reaches the loose ball first. Where do you go?
- Back toward midfield
- Run at the keeper
- Wait near their goal
Coach’s explanation: The keeper has it, so get back toward midfield and help your team defend.