Get on the front foot – small-sided game

WHY USE IT

The session encourages players to penetrate or “go forward”, as the players in possession look to invade the opposition..

SET UP

Set up a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. Place sets of two different coloured gates around the outside – each colour should be across two opposing sides of the area, so teams either attack up to down or left to right. Players are divided into two small- sided teams.

HOW TO PLAY

The Red team scores by dribbling through any of the red gates, while the Blue team scores by dribbling through any of the blue gates. The game sets a 360-degree challenge (when taking into account the three phases of attack, transition and defence). Progress the game by making it directional and having one colour of gates in each of two diagonally opposite corners. Teams can also now score by passing through a gate for a team- mate to collect on the other side.

COACHING POINTS

• Can players be aware of their surroundings and the possibilities around them?
• Can players combine swiftly and effectively?
• Can players recognise space and utilise it effectively?