By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 25 x 36 yards. Divide area into 3 equal areas
Teams: 4 v 4 + 4
Time: 15 Minutes
Objectives:
- To use scenarios to decide when and how to shoot
- Use correct technique depending on where you are shooting from
- Be positive in want to score
The small number teams are to allow an increase in shots and opportunities with it effectively being 8v4 when in possession. Both teams set up in a diamond formation of 1-2-1, this is to give 3 lines of depth with another 2 to the outside. The last player can either just focus on being a defender or you can give them the position of sweeper keeper so they can also save shots.
For each team players are allowed in all three areas but the following rules for the areas apply. The defensive third there are no specific rules, it is free play. The middle zone is for long shots. If a player receives the ball and there is space directly in front of them and a clear line of sight to the goal, they must shoot. This is to encourage players to shoot from distance with their laces. If there is not an opportunity they should look to keep the ball by going in any direction.
In the attacking area you must score using a one-time finish. This promotes players getting forward and running onto the ball. It encourages the ball to go out wide, for crosses to come in and for quick decisions of where to place the ball. It also represents being in the opponent’s area and having to finish quickly.
When finishing in the final third it must be using the inside of the foot, therefore the focus is on placing the ball and not just striking the ball with power.
The rules that you put on the different areas encourage forward movement. When the striker receives the ball in the final third, because they have touched the ball, they can’t score at the moment. Therefore, other players have to get forward to help the attack. Now you are looking at the timing of the run, pass and the angles involved.
You can also work on 3rd man runs. Where the striker drops deep to receive the ball, at the same time the right midfielder would run behind the opposition. The striker would set the ball with the right foot to the left midfielder who would pass into the space with the right foot for the right midfielder and then move forward into the final 3rd in anticipation they may be needed. The right midfielder can would then finish with the inside of the foot or draw the ‘sweeper keeper’ over that side of the goal only to pass across for the other midfielder to finish.
Coaching Points
- If space opens up in the middle third, be confident and striker the ball with your laces at goal
- One or more players need to get forward to help the attack
- Composure in front of goal, using placement for short range shots rather than power
Variations
- Rotate the 3 teams of 4 after every goal, neutrals take the place of the team that conceded
- Decrease the number of neutrals
- Add pure GK’s
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
