In this episode of Inside The Game, we continue our focus on Final Third play by zooming in on one of soccer’s most thrilling aspects—goalscoring. From movement off the ball to timing and composure, we break down what it really takes to become a consistent finisher and how coaches can create the right conditions in training for players to thrive in front of goal.

Our guest, Dominic Rice, shares his perspective on developing attacking instincts, the importance of repetition, and how to foster a mindset of commitment and bravery in front of the net. We also look at how the core value of Commitment connects to finishing—whether it’s making hard runs, staying locked in during transitions, or bouncing back from a missed chance.

Packed with practical advice, session design tips, and key coaching points, this episode is your go-to guide for turning opportunities into goals. Tune in to help your players develop the instincts, discipline, and confidence needed to deliver when it counts.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we kick off a two-week focus on the Final Third—arguably the most decisive area of the pitch where games are won and lost. We break down what effective play in the final third looks like, including key principles like timing of movement, combination play, and clinical decision-making under pressure.

Our theme this week is Creating a Competitive Environment in Training, and we explore how coaches can design sessions that drive intensity, maximize ball rolling time, and balance work-to-rest ratios to simulate real-game demands. We discuss how the type and timing of your coaching interventions can maintain tempo without sacrificing learning, and how a competitive edge in training prepares players to thrive when it matters most.

Joining us is guest Kate Hofstede, who shares her perspective on fostering healthy competition, building training sessions that replicate game moments, and using the core value of Integrity to keep competition productive and aligned with your team culture.

If you're looking to raise your session intensity while reinforcing high-quality final third play, this episode offers actionable strategies to help players sharpen their edge and perform with purpose.

n this episode of Inside The Game, we continue our spring coaching journey by taking a deeper look at switching the play—not just from a tactical angle, but through the emotional lens of player confidence. We discuss how anxiety can impact decision-making on the field and why supporting the mental well-being of athletes is just as important as developing their technical skills.

Our guest, Sean Datson, brings valuable insight into how coaches can recognize performance anxiety, create emotionally safe environments, and build trust within their teams. We explore practical strategies for helping players stay composed under pressure and how the core value of Respect plays a key role in creating a positive, supportive team culture.

If you're looking to grow your players' confidence while reinforcing key curriculum topics, this episode offers both on-field advice and off-field perspective to elevate your coaching. Tune in and learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and coach the whole player.