The majority of teams use a three-player midfield with the growing popularity of the 4-3-3 formation.
Set-up
Play a small-sided, 3v3 on a 22×20-yard pitch with two mini goals at both ends. Two neutral players at the side work play for the team in possession.
How to play
The attacking team look to score in a mini goal. They can use the wide neutrals to play give and go passes but neutrals are limited to two touches.
The defending team must send one player to pressurise the opponent in possession. The remaining two players support the pressing player and stay in a position to block the two mini goals should the attack pass forward and break.
The game lasts until one goal is scored, then three new attackers and defenders enter the pitch.
An end-to-end game that will help your players to develop a goal poacher’s instincts by limiting strikers to just one touch in the final third of the pitch MORE
Small-sided games are a fantastic way of getting players to work together to score lots of goals with every single player having a big part to play in the game and are a good way to get players facing match relevant situations. MORE
Pits the wits of defenders and attackers against each other in 1v1s within the main game. Plus use sweepers to give midfielders a ‘get out’ clause when their way ahead is blocked MORE
This session focuses on hitting wide areas with the use of group attacks and switching. It works on the basic play used to develop attacking moves to get from one third to the next to create goal scoring chances. MORE
A long throw when teams are in the attacking third of the pitch can be as effective as a corner kick or a free-kick. Use this session to identify a couple of players who can perfect the technique. MORE
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