By George Kee
This small sided game is designed to help players develop the finishing touch in the penalty box when service is from wide areas. Not only does this SSG game help players develop service from wide areas but it allows players to become comfortable with play in the penalty area. Players learn to control rebounds and deflections in the area and get familiar with moving the ball around the area until a shot opens up. Passes should be made quickly, 1-2 touch, in order find space for a finish.
Area Size: 60x50 yard area with two 5 yard zones along the wide areas.
# Of Players: 15-20
Time: 25-30 minutes
Objectives
• To develop service from wide areas
• To develop timing of runs into the penalty area
• To develop finishing touches in the area
• To develop quick play in and around the penalty area
Set up: A 60x30 yard area is split into two equal halves with two 5 yard zones along the sides for the neutral players.
Execution: The ball starts from the keeper who distributes to a neutral player in a wide area. Neutral players carry the ball forward and provide service into the area where players look to score playing 3v3+1. Play restarts with the goal Keeper distributing wide and going the other direction.
Description: In this SSG we can work on all areas of play involving the service and finish.
Keepers: Keepers should look to distribute the ball in front of the wide players as to not delay play. Distribution can also be done quickly to launch a counter attack.
Wide Players: These players should be sure to use correct technique when serving the ball into the area. Players should take a forward touch which will enable them to look up and pick out a teammate for service. Players’ hips should be squared before putting the ball into a dangerous area.
Attackers: Attackers should make well timed bending runs in order to free themselves of marking. Players should look to frame the goal and be prepared to finish rebounds or deflections.
Neutral player: The neutral player in the attacking zone should cover the area ready for a cut back pass to the top of the area. Neutral should also be prepared for any rebounds or as an option to keep possession if the ball needs to be moved for a better shooting angle.
Defenders: Defenders should take up a starting position between the attacker and the goal. Be sure to keep an eye on the ball and the attacker.
If the ball falls into the area players will play 3v3+1 in the area to create a shot. Players should have movements to create space for them to receive and shoot. Encourage players to move the ball quickly around goal in order to create space and an angle to finish. Players need to be ready to pounce on rebounds and deflections in front of goal.
Options for service: Another option for the wide player is to make a cut pass to the top of the area for the neutral player to finish. This pass is dangerous as most players will be closer to the goal awaiting service. This pass should be played on the ground with consideration given to the shooters dominant foot.
Early Cross: The players in the wide areas can opt for an early cross. This type of service is dangerous because it forces the defenders to play the ball facing their own goal. This ball should be played from a deeper area of the wide zone. Attackers should make runs off the blind side of the defender so that the defender cannot see the ball and attacker at the same time.
Coaching Points
• Timing of runs into the box
• Players should make bending runs to lose defenders
• Players should move the ball quickly to create a shot
• Be prepared to finish rebounds or deflections
• Types of service into the area
Variations/Progressions
• Add touch restrictions
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, George moved to northern California in 2014 to take over as the head soccer coach at Lassen College. In his brief time with the program George has won an undefeated conference title, coached four players of the year, and won three Coach of the Year Awards.
