
On the half-turn – small-sided game
Three-part session teaching players to receive on the half-turn and break defensive lines. By DAVID PONCIA MORE
The attacking team has an overload but can the defending team use their players to create their own overload and win the ball back so they can score?
Overloads are a common thing in youth soccer and this session shows players how to take control of the session.
You need balls, bibs, cones and two goals. Set up an area 30 x 20 yards. We used 10 players in the session
Set your players up in 6 attackers v 4 defenders arranged as 3 attackers v 2 defenders in each half of the pitch. The two zones are separated by a strip 5 yards wide that the attackers cannot cross, but the defenders can. This means the defenders can change the 3v2 into 3v3 or 3v4 depending on where the ball is and where the players are. The coach plays into one of the 3v2s and they must make 3 passes before trying to put the ball into one of the target goals or they pass to their team mates in the other zone. This will be an option if more defenders come across and stop the attackers from scoring but leaving the other side of the area open for a pass. If the defenders win the ball they can try and score immediately
Movement, first touch, passing, pressing and anticipation.