Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Elyse Finlayson - My Go-To Activity: 4v4+4 SSG

Small-Sided Possession Game: 4v4+4

PURPOSE OF EXERCISE:

• In a small-sided game, players will practice combination play in a small space, challenging players on decision-making and execution of technique,

AREA:

• 25m x 25m space
• Consider making the space bigger or small depending on playing ability

DESCRIPTION:

• 4v4 inside the area with +4 on either team on the outside of the area
• Directional play - transferring the ball from blue target players to opposite target players. If the defending team win possession, they look to maintain and control the ball using their target players to switch the play
• Encourage players to move the ball quickly and look for combination opportunities - one-two (bounce pass) or overlapping runs for example

YOUR ROLE AS A COACH:

• Praise and encourage desired actions - face the way you want to play quickly, first touch away from opposition, dribble into space at pace

KEY COACHING POINTS:

• Movement without the ball - manipulating opposition to create space to exploit (starting movement out of defender's line of sight), waiting until the defender looks at the ball before moving, OR using varied movement (body feints to shift opponent)
• Awareness of types of pressure opponent is applying to anticipate the next pass
• Body shape of receiving player to anticipate next pass
• Positioning of players - level or outside of opponents, between lines, between players, beyond players for a longer pass

SOCHANGEIT / PROGRESSIONS:

• Numbers - This session is set up to work with a team of 16 players. Think about how you may adjust if you had 12 players available. Or if you have 13 at training, consider having a joker/jolly in the middle who is always on the attacking team to provide an attacking overload of players.
• Time - Challenge your players on how many times they can switch the play within a set time limit - e.g. 60seconds. Rotate players and see if they can beat that score.
• Equipment - If you have goals, potentially consider having goals in the corners of the pitch. The team who wins possession, they can either score a goal as quickly as possible, or look to retain possession.