Small-sided game: Receive, play forward

WHY USE IT

This three-part session develops players’ technical and tactical ability to receive in order to enable them to play forwards quickly. It also works on players’ ability to make impactful forward runs off the ball to support attacking play.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Divide it into thirds, with a small goal at each end. Split players into two teams, ideally set up in a 2-3-2 formation, without goalkeepers.

HOW TO play

Players can’t go into another zone unless they pass the ball across themselves. The game is predominantly focused on the movement and first touch of the player receiving the ball.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• Players can move between zones when in possession, but must return to their 2-3-2 formation within three seconds of losing the ball. 

This enables more coaching of movement combinations of the players in each third. For example, for attacking players in the final third, can one come short to set the ball back for a midfielder to play a longer ball to an overlapping midfielder or the highest attacker?

COACHING POINTS

• Creating width and depth in possession.

• Make the pitch narrow out of possession.

• Technique and pace of the pass to break the line and create an opportunity for forward runs.Awareness – always check surroundings and shoulders.