Discover the PATE Matrix for Invasion Sports Practice
Anchor Post for the PATE Matrix Series
🕑 3‑min read
Think of the PATE Matrix as X‑ray specs for practice. Glance through it and you’ll spot exactly what skills are—and aren’t—wiring in each drill.
Give this guide three minutes, grab the Coach Pack, and you’ll be ready to nudge tonight’s session toward game day.
1 · Quick‑Start (Print & Play)
Print the Evaluation Form. Download the PDF from Google Drive and keep it on a clipboard, or fold it into your pocket. There is an electronic Google Sheets version, too.
Look at one drill. Circle scores for Environment (E) and Transfer (T).
Tweak one thing. Shift cones, add pressure, shorten recovery—fail smarter, sooner.
Pro tip: Blue‑pill drills stay blurry; red‑pill coaches slip on X‑ray specs by the third rep. ;-)
2 · PATE Coach Pack Download
Grab the full PATE Coach Pack so you can move straight from reading to doing.
Evaluation Form (PDF on Google Drive). Quick scores for one drill on paper; folds to clipboard size.
PICOD × RPAT Cheat‑Sheet (PDF on Google Drive). Key definitions and “how to score”—print double‑sided.
Every file carries a QR code that jumps back to this guide for instant refreshers.
3 · Set Up Your Google Grading Sheet (1 min)
Electronic Evaluation Form (Google Sheet). Auto‑totals, color flags, and share‑ready for staff reviews.
Click to make a copy: https://go.flag-academy.com/PATECopy
Paper meets cloud. Klick the link above, hit Make a copy once, and your personal sheet tallies scores from then on.
4 · Why the Matrix Matters
Take the blue pill and keep strolling through cone forests—or swallow the red pill and see practice in slow‑motion clarity.
What each part unlocks
Feel – Decide faster. Part 1’s three‑question Matrix Gate filters drills in seconds, so your energy flows to moments that matter.
See – Reveal hidden learning. Part 2’s PICOD grid exposes which skills your athletes are truly wiring, spotlighting gaps before the standings do.
Adapt – Upgrade on the fly. Part 3’s constraint menu lets you nudge space, numbers, or rules and watch intensity climb—no extra gear, no extra budget.
From U11 volunteers to pro coordinators, sharper choices and richer reps start after a single audit.
Need the science? Posts 1‑3 carry the citations.
5 · Deep‑Dive & Share
Part 1 · Clear the Matrix Gate. Three yes/no questions plus a 4 x 4 quick reference to feel transfer. → Read the story and its science background.
Part 2 · Grade in 60 Seconds. PICOD scoring + PATE grid rubric let you see what each drill actually teaches. → Read the breakdown.
Part 3 · Steer the Drill. Constraint‑Led & Differential tweaks help you adapt any practice task in minutes. → Read about the 8 main knobs.
For broader context: Re-Thinking Warm-ups · A Coach's Journey to Smarter Practice Design
Crowd‑source the fix: Download the Sheet, tag your toughest drill, and drop your cell in the comments. Let’s swap upgrades.
6 · Next Moves
Share the Matrix. Hand the red pill to a coaching friend—forward this guide to their inbox or staff chat.
Subscribe for upgrades. New templates land in your inbox before they hit social.
Book a consultation. Want a full‑session audit? Get in touch and we’ll set up a call.
“Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” —Morpheus, The Matrix (1999)
Print the pack, run the audit, and watch belief—and performance—compound.
Permanent link to this page: https://go.flag-academy.com/PATE
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Rolf is a seasoned performance coach and coach developer, with a unique perspective that challenges conventional thinking. He works across both the business and sports worlds, supporting teams and individuals through change. Currently, he coaches multiple teams and provides personalized guidance to leaders in both fields.
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Email: info@flag-academy.com
Email: rolf@beyondchampionships.eu
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