By Alex Trukan
This 5v5 conditioned game is focused on developing anaerobic endurance – the ability of the body to produce repetitive high intensity actions without loses in their quality (speed/strength). This will help players to be explosive even towards the end of the match. The tactical element of this game is aimed towards counter-attacking and forward runs off the ball. It also challenges players technically to use short accurate passes when attacking on the opposition half as well as long passes when counter-attacking. From psychological point of view, this game develops awareness and quick reactions upon winning possession.
Set-Up and directions
Organise a 20 x 40 yards pitch divided into two halves and with two medium sized goals. Set goalkeepers in goals. Divide the group into two teams of five. Prepare a sufficient supply of balls to ensure intensity and flow of the practice.
The game starts from one of the goalkeepers who plays the ball to one of the players on his team. Whichever team is attacking, they have to have all the players on the opposition half before they can score. As we can see below, as the centre backs plays the ball to the striker, he makes a movement into opposition half.
Whichever team is defending, in turn, they have to leave one player on the opposition half while the rest of the players have to defend on their own half. The defending team should look to win possession on the own half to then start the counter-attack.
The off-sides do not apply, as soon as the defending team wins possession, they should aim to pass the ball into the striker left on the opposition half. At the same time, other players should make immediate forward sprints to support the striker on the ball.
The striker left on the opposition half is not allowed to score. Only the supporting players running from the own half are able to score. Players should rotate positions and roles.
Timing
The game should be played 3 minutes and repeated 2-4 times (allowing all players to experience supporting forward runs). The rest between repetitions should be 4 minutes. Ensure the ball is supplied in case it goes out to ensure flow.
Variations
- 4 v 4 / 6 v 6
- Attacking team has certain number of passes or touches per player to finish
- Increase/decrease the playing area size
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
