Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Small Sided Games - Possession & Transitions

Activity I: 3v3+1 / 5v5+1

Organization

- 35 x 35 area marked as shown

- 20 x 20 smaller area marked as shown (circle)

- 11 Players (3 attackers, 3 defenders, 1 Neutral & 4 Target Players)

- 4 Mini Goals set up as shown

- 1 Ball (additional on outside)

Activity

- Team play 3v3+1 possession game inside smaller area (circle)

- Team in possession looks to make 6 consecutive passes before they can then break out to score

- Attacking team can use team mates on outside of circle, who are restricted to 1 touch maximum

- Neutral players supports the team in possession of the ball

- After 6 consecutive passes attacking team break out of circle & look to score in designated goals

- Team can use the whole area to score & team mates on outside now join in the play to create (5v5+1)

- If Defending team wins the ball they must make 6 passes before scoring

- When a goal is scored or ball goes out of play the activity restarts in smaller area & players reset

Coaching Points

- Possession: Quality of pass, possession with a purpose & circulation of the ball

- Support: Aware of space & surroundings. Can you be an option between/behind opposition?

- Transition: Reaction as an individual & team. Break out, make the pitch big & seperate the opposition

- Awareness: Which is the best goal to score in? Look for the cues: out numbered? overloads?

- Finishing: Be positive in front of goal!!

Progression

P - After 6 consecutive passes the "break out" pass must be played outside the circle to run on to (see diagram)

P - Adjust the consecutive pass count

P - Must be a one touch finish into mini goals

Activity III: 4v4+1 / 6v6

Organization

- Full Pitch set up as shown (Box to Box)

- 2 Full size goals

- 2 Mini Goals

- 8 Speed Poles (4 Target Goals)

- 14 Players (3v3 x 2 & 2 Goalkeepers)

Activity - Part I

- Players are split into two 3v3+1 Small Sided Games

- Goalkeeper plays as the +1 but cannot score

- (Field A) Teams aim to shoot into mini goals to score. (Field B) Team aim to dribble through the target gates.

- Games are directional & first team to three goals wins

Activity - Part II

- Once a team has scored three goals both areas break out & transition into a box to box 6v6 + keepers

- Team that scored three goals first starts with possession from goalkeeper

- Goalkeepers must drop back into goals

- Direction of play for the 6v6 already determined at start of game

- Teams look to score past keeper in full size goal. First team to score two wins!

- After two goals have been scored in 6v6 SGG both sets of players move back into smaller 3v3+1 game

- Players swap fields to experience both game variations

Coaching Points

- Transition: Reaction as Individuals & team from mini game into 6v6. Focus & Organization!

- Possession: Play with a purpose, be decisive & dangerous with your passing

- Combinations: Look to link up with team mates. Take advantage of overload opportunities

- Finishing: Take your chance & be positive with the ball