Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Small-Sided Games

1v1 Continuous (20 mins)

1v1 Continuous

Game begins by one player either serving to opponent, or the coach choosing someone to start the attack. If goal is scored, attacker gets the point and stays on the field. A new player on the opposite team becomes the new attacker any time the ball goes over the end line (regardless of a goal being scored). Play for time (3-5 minutes) with one player winning their field. Rotate players and play multiple games. Combined game scores for each individual player can be used to select two captians for final scrimmage.

Variations:

1. Progress to 2v2 continuous, or even 3v3 and adjust space if necessary

2. Incorporate goalkeepers if available, and encourage them to play with attacker by using their feet, and organizing the defender (or defensive team)

Coaching Points:

Attacker-

1. Attack with pace

2. Use a change of direction and a change of speed

3. Be confident and creative

4. Quickly provide pressue when ball is lost

Defender-

1. Quickly close ground on the attacker, defending high and away from your goal

2. Bending run between ball and goal if necessary to apply pressue (don't chase)

3. Demonstrate proper defensive posture

4. Delay, delay, delay

5. Timing of tackle

6. Counter-attack when ball is won

Attack Three-Defend Three (20 mins)

Attack Three-Defend Three

Divide players in equal numbers, consider having "resting" teams stand behind the gates to receive balls, and then enter the fied of play after timed game has expired.

-Resting team that receives the ball immeidatey goes on the attack against the team that previously gave up a goal