Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Small Sided Game - Finishing / Overplay & Creative Play (15 mins)

Small Sided Game - Finishing / Overplay & Creative Play (15 mins)

Small Sided Game

Finishing / Overplay & Creative Play

Set-Up:

Area Size:  Width of penalty area x 30 yds

Players:  15 + 1 GK

Teams: Players split into 3 x teams of 5 players and are bibbed

Formation:  Defending - either 4-1 or 3-2 / Attacking - 3-2 or 3-1-1

Balls:  Plenty of balls placed around the outside of the playing area.

Time:  Play 3 Blocks of 4 mins each, plus breaks = 15 mins

How:

2 teams will play a 5 v 5 inside the area.

1 team will be allocated the defenders and the other as the attackers.

The 3rd team will be spread around the outside (as shown) and will play as Neutral players.

These Neutral players will play for the team in possession, effectively making the game 10 v 5 in favour of the team in possession.

The Neutral players are also free to move up or down their line to support play and get into a better position to help the team in possession.

Once the ball goes out of play, the next phase will begin with the player at the top of the pitch, i.e. Player A.

Each team will have the opportunity to play as the defenders, the attackers and the Neutrals.

Conditions, Targets and Challenges:

- Attacking team play 2/3 touches.

- Outside (Neutral) players only have 2 touches.

- Offside rules apply for players inside the playing area, but not for the Neutral players on the outside.

- Each team will have an opportunity to be the attacking team. The team that scores the most goals will be the winners.

- If the defending team win the ball, they can play a possession game and keep the ball for as long as they can.

- If the defending team are keeping possession, the attacking team MUST go and press to force another turnover. 

- Reduce number of touches for players, i.e. play 2 touches inside the area and one touch for all Neutral players on the outside.

- Neutral players on outside can't pass to another Neutral player.

Coaching Points:

In Possession:

- Attacking players to move the ball quickly

- Body position in receiving the ball

- Quick and accurate passing

- Movement off the ball to create space and lose the defender

- Shooting - sharp, decisive and accurate

- If there isn't a scoring opportunity, can the attacking team keep possession, overplay and keep the ball to make another opportunity from a different angle / point of attack

Out of Possession:

- Defend as a team

- Press the ball

- Protect the middle

- Stop split passes

- Track runners

- Stop shots

- Force the play wide

Interventions:

Concurrent

Terminal

Walk Through

Coaching Process