Recognise and make use of the advantage

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

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

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