Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SMALL SIDED GAMES: 3 GAMES IN ONE

3 GAMES IN ONE

SMALL SIDED GAMES: 3 GAMES IN ONE

Teams with 7 players play on a 7v7 or 9v9 field. A pair of small goals are placed on both side lines towards the corners and an appropriate size goal is at each end. Balls are placed along the side lines and near the large goals. A small sided game ideal to support a passing and receiving themed session. Players thoroughly enjoy alternating game formats and objectives

The game has three formats:

First, a team must make 4 consecutive passes to score a point.  

Second, teams must score in either of the two small goalsfor a point.  

Third, a goal scored in a larger goal wins a point.First team to score 6 points wins.Coaching Points:Encourage attacking players to build possession.Defenders look to force a turnover and adopt a highpress.Attackers must play with a high tempo.Try to unbalance the defense with probing passesand switching the play quickly.

PART ONE

This is a fun activity with 3 different game formats that transition seamlessly from one to another. Each team has 6 outfield players and a keeper  The coach starts the game with a pass to either team. The attacking team aims to combine for 4 consecutive passes without the defenders intercepting to earn a point. The goalkeeper cannot use his/her hands. If the defending team can win possession, that team is now attacking and must attempt 4 passes. 

PART TWO

Once a team has achieved 4 passes, the game immediately transitions to format two. Each team now defends two small goals and the game is directional across the width of the field. Each team attempts to score in the small goals to win a point – no goalkeepers handling the ball. 

PART THREE

As soon as one team scores thedirection changes lengthwise and the objective is to score in the central goals. The goalkeepers must quickly retreat to the goals andnormal rules apply. The first team to six points wins the game.P2: Transition is the exchange of possession from one team to the other. 

Transitional tactics can be both attacking and defending, soit is important for a coach to narrow the focus so the topic does not overwhelm the players. Introducing players to tactical referencesto 'lines' 'channels' and 'spaces' can help players relate their positioning on the field to the attacking and defending priorities of thecoach. Building a clear understanding of the players roles is vital to long term individual and team success