Using the numerical advantage

Organisation

• Create pitches to play 4v2
• The four attackers try to retain possession of the ball and complete a certain number of 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
• Rotate the players, so they can experience both challenges

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Start with 4v1 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
• Make the passes one- or two-touch only

Great questions to ask the players

• When your team has the ball, what can you do to help your team-mate(s)?
• What is the advantage of one-touch passing?
• If a defender wins the ball, can you stop him/her from reaching the line with it?

Safety tips

• Create a safe zone between pitches

Organisation

• Now play 4v2 in a directional activity towards 1 goal
• The four attackers try to retain possession and score a goal
• 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

• Start with 4v1 to ensure the attackers succeed and build up their confidence

Ways to make the exercise harder

• The attackers have to complete a certain number of passes before they can score
• Add a fixed goalkeeper or allow the defenders to make saves using their hands

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

• Now play 5v3 in a directional activity towards 1 goal
• The five attackers try to retain possession and score a goal; the last defender can play as a goalkeeper
• 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

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

Ways to make the exercise harder

• The attackers have to complete a certain number of passes before they can score

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