Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Today’s featured game works on movement off the ball and the use of depth in the attack. You can see similar type games in the book Brazilian Training Games; 102 Small-Sided Games, Exercises and Drills.
There is a tendency for forwards to come back far to get the ball and while their eagerness to be involved is commendable, the problem is it makes it difficult to stretch the field in the attack. This makes it easier for the opponent to compress the field when defending and eliminates a lot of space to work with,
This game is on a field that is 50 x 30 (size can vary depending upon the number of players on the field) with two teams of 6. Use flags (or poles) to make a goal 10 yards in from each end line.
This is a regular game with the exception that a team can score from either side of the goal they are attacking. In doing this, it encourages the attacking team to add depth to their attack to increase their scoring opportunities. Also, there is no offside rule in this game.
As an example, when the black team wins the ball, one of their players will go deep along the end line to create passing opportunities.
In order to avoid this type of attack the defending team is going to have to send a defender deep (although not as deep as the attacker) and this will create space for other attackers.
The key is to make sure the players understand that even though in a real game they can’t score from both sides of the goal nor can they go behind the goal, many of the same principles exist. If a player gets deep in a real game (while staying onside) it creates more space for themselves and for their teammates.
There are many variations you can use including allowing players behind the goal but goals only can be scored from the front (similar to hockey or lacrosse) or rewarding one touch passes from behind the goal etc.
You can see similar type games in the book Brazilian Training Games; 102 Small-Sided Games, Exercises and Drills.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
