
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
Create a 60×30 yard area made of three zones with an 8 yard central area. You need 14 players including two goalkeepers, bibs, ball, cones and two goals.
Create two teams comprising of a goalkeeper, four defenders and two attackers. All players are confined to their zones – the central zone is a no go area. The goalkeeper passes out to a team mate in defence and the game begins. Now the team in possession at the back must play the ball over the central zone to a team mate at the attacking end. All restarts are with the goalkeeper from the team who gets possession
Players must be alert to the danger of long balls coming into attacking areas. Good first touch and anticipation are key along with pressing from forward players.
1. Goalkeeper from one team starts the session and all restarts are from the goalkeepers
2. Play out from the back looking for opportunities to play a long pass
3. Defenders must try to anticipate long passes and intercept the ball
4. Progress so the attackers are now closing down and intercepting the ball or winning it from a tackle