Warm-up: 4v2, no goals, possession practice and "line football"
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
Skill development: 4v2, one goal and "line football"
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
Game application: 5v3, one goal with a goalkeeper and "line football"
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