Small-sided game: Transition at speed

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on players’ ability to transition quickly and effectively from defence to attack and from attack to defence.

SET-UP

Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Mark out a wide channel on each side and place a goal at each end. Divide players into two teams, including goalkeepers.

HOW TO PLAY

Play a normal game, but using the two outside channels for the following:

• To provide a visual cue to defenders so they stay compact when out of possession. When defending, players must try to stay in the central area - only one defender can move into the wide channels to defend 1v1.

• When the team transitions to attack, they must have one player in each wide channel as quickly as possible. If the team doesn’t provide a wide option at the transition, they commit a foul (three fouls = a penalty kick).

Adaptations: To make the game easier to begin with, you can start with one neutral player in each wide channel. When a team wins possession, their first pass must be to one of these players. Once players are in the habit of looking for a wide pass out of pressure, you can remove the neutral players and return to the rules above.

Progressions: Remove the wide channels but continue to encourage compactness out of possession, and quickly providing a wide option when in possession.

COACHING POINTS

Players must get wide when they transition to attack. The defending team must stay compact and try to play within the central area.