Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SSG

SSG - Initial Game (15 min)

Set Up: 55y x 44y field divided into two halves by a retreat line, two teams of 5 field players with 1 goalkeeper each. Balls around field and in each GK goal.

Objective: Using a positive and effective first touch to break into the attacking half and score.

Instructions/conditions: 

• Team tries to attack and score on opposition's goal
• Game starts 6v3 in the possession teams half (red team; attacking team). Defending/Pressing team (in this case, the blue team) must always keep at least two players in their own half when trying to win the ball in the opposition's end. All attacking players (red) must remain in their half until the ball has crossed into the other teams half (or a penetrating pass is made). 
• To progress into the other half, the red team can either dribble across the retreat line or a red teammate can make a timed run across to receive a pass.
• Once the ball has crossed half, the red team can bring as many players into the attacking half as they choose to create a scoring opportunity; players play an open 6v6 game until the red team scores, possession is loss and the blue team is able to recycle the ball back into their own half, or the ball goes out of play.

Loss of Possession:

• If the defending team (blue) wins the ball in the possession teams end (red) during the 6v3, they may try scoring immediately
• If the defending team (blue) wins the ball after the team in possession (red) has progressed past half and during the 6v6 open play, the blue team must recycle the ball back into their own half (including all their players) and restart the sequence 6v3 in their own end before progressing to goal.

Other Conditions: 

• If a goal is scored, the conceding GK restarts the play; GK cannot play across half; play resets 6v3 in that half
• If the ball goes out of play over the end line or the sideline, the GK of that side restarts play with a goal kick; must stay in their half; play resets 6v3 in that half

Points to look for:

• Communication
• Body Shape (Open body to allow first touch to go in the direction player wants to go)
  
• Receiving Technique (body behind the ball, ball doesn't stop completely and is guided into desired direction player wants to go)
• Awareness & first touch (Where is the defender, Space for hard/soft first touch, Space to dribble or pass)
  
• Positive first touch (touch towards goal) into open space
• Player movement around and away from the ball to support receiver

Progression: Once ball is played into attacking half, attacking team is only allowed up to 5 passes before getting their shot off. If more than 5 passes occur, the ball must retreat back behind the half line before advancing to goal again; only the ball must retreat.