#8 to 12

Recognise and make use of the advantage

FIFA, 01 Feb 2022

FIFA
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The main focus for this session is how to use a numerical advantage. Drill one sees players participate in a 5v3 rondo. In drill two they then participate in a 5v3 game on three goals. The practice finishes with a 5v4 game without goalkeepers.

Warm-up: 5v3, no goals, possession practice and "line football"

Organisation

  • 5v3 in a rectangular area – make sure it's a big area if possible
  • The five attackers try to retain possession and complete ten passes to score a point
  • If the defenders win the ball, then they try to accelerate away to score by stopping it on any touchline
  • Make sure that the attackers realise that they must defend if they lose the ball
  • Rotate the players, so they can experience both challenges

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • Allow the players to start by throwing and catching the ball
  • If the defenders win the ball, they can pick it up and run to the touchline unchallenged
  • Start with 5v2 to ensure the attackers succeed and build up their confidence

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • Increase the number of passes needed for the attackers to score a point
  • Limit the number of touches per player
  • Ask the players to keep the ball for at least three seconds before they can pass it

Great questions to ask the players

  • How can you make it difficult for the defending team?
  • Can you show me how you create space for yourself to receive a pass?
  • When you win the ball as defenders, can you quickly break to the line?

Safety tips

  • Make sure you rotate the defenders regularly

Skill development: 5v3, 3 goals, no goalkeepers

Organisation 

  • 5v3, with the five players attacking a single central goal
  • The three defenders attack two small goals placed in wide positions at the other end of the pitch
  • Normal rules, but no goalkeepers

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • Start with 5v2 to ensure the attackers succeed and build up their confidence

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • The nearest player to goal can play as a goalkeeper
  • Give either team, or both teams, a time limit to score (e.g. five seconds after winning the ball); if they fail to do so, possession is given to the other team

Great questions to ask the players

  • How can you make it difficult for the defending team?
  • Can you show me how you create space for yourself to receive a pass?
  • When you win the ball as defenders, can you quickly break to the line?

Safety tips

  • Create safe zones between pitches and provide drinks and rests if needed by players

Game application: 5v4, 3 goals, no goalkeepers

Organisation

  • 5v4, with the five players attacking a single central goal
  • The four defenders attack two small goals placed in wide positions at the other end of the pitch
  • Normal rules, but no goalkeepers
  • The ninth player later becomes a floater and always plays for the team in possession

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • Start with 5v3 to ensure the attackers succeed and build up their confidence

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • The nearest player to goal can play as a goalkeeper
  • Give either team, or both teams, a time limit to score (e.g. five seconds after winning the ball); if they fail to do so, possession is given to the other team

Great questions to ask the players

  • How can you make it difficult for the defending team?
  • Can you show me how you create space for yourself to receive a pass?
  • When you win the ball as defenders, can you quickly break to the line?
  • Did you feel any pressure from the other team?
  • What strategies do you use to manage pressure?

Safety tips 

  • Create safe zones between pitches and provide drinks and rests if needed by players

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