The Diamond Game

Obj: Diamond midfield shape possession — depth-width-depth support structure around every carrier. Field: 25×25yd. Equip: Cones, ball, bibs. Org: 4v4+4N where the 4 neutrals form a fixed diamond (one deep, two wide, one high). Possession team uses the diamond; the rule: consecutive passes may not use the same diamond point (forcing full-shape use). Ten passes with all four points touched = 3 pts. CP: (1) Every carrier should see the diamond: someone behind (safety), two beside (angles), one beyond (depth) — 2.1.7's three-option rule made visible; (2) the deep point plays first-time when pressed (pivot behavior); (3) the high point pins and links (striker behavior — the diamond is the team in miniature). Prog: Diamond rotates positions on the coach's call; interior 4v4 players must use the correct point for the picture (pressed = deep, stretched = high). Reg: Diamond unlimited touches; 5v3 interior. Mist: P: using only the comfortable wide points (the rule exists for this); C: never explaining that the diamond IS the team shape — name it. Time: 15 min. Out: Full-shape usage; behind/beside/beyond vocabulary. Var: Double diamond (8 neutrals, U13+ big version). Diag: Square with diamond of neutrals (deep/wide/wide/high), interior 4v4, pass sequence touching all four points numbered.