Small-sided game: Advancing the play

WHY USE IT

A game which allows you to build on the principles in a structured manner, working with each unit on the field.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Divide it into thirds, with a smaller central area, and a goal at each end. The example above sees the players set up in a 9v9, plus two goalkeepers.

HOW TO play

To begin with, players are locked into their zones, with an overload for the defending teams in both attacking thirds, and equal numbers in the middle third. Play a normal game, with an emphasis on playing through midfield.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Give players freedom to decide how they allocate each other in the thirds. Instead of playing in a 4-2-3, they may decide to place a third player centrally to create overloads. As the game progresses, you can allow one player from each third to join in the next third, creating overloads. 

Add bonus points for playing through midfield prior to scoring to encourage playing in-between the opposition.

COACHING POINTS

• Use the goalkeeper as an overload to build from the back and through into midfield.
• How can the midfielders, in central areas, either receive possession, or draw their opponent out, creating space for passes from the defending third straight into the attacking third?
• If a midfielder receives the ball with their back to goal centrally, how can players beneath them support the play for a set back, to then play forward, looking at up-back-through combinations?
• Constantly challenge players to search for space and receive off the back shoulder of their direct opponent.