Receiving loud and clear – Small-Sided Game
This three-part practice develops players’ ability to receive the ball ready to shoot. By STEVE OAKES MORE
Movement off the ball – Small-Sided Game
WHY USE IT
This small-sided game enables players to focus on the concepts of spatial awareness and movement of the ball in a free-flowing match scenario.
SET UP
Divide players into two teams. Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players, with a goal at each end. We have set up penalty box to penalty box, using the full width.
HOW TO PLAY
Allow players to play a small-sided game with no conditions, but with reminders of the key principles of moving of the ball and exploiting space.
TECHNIQUE
Encourage lots of short, sharp movements to receive the ball in space and taking a positive first touch, preferably in a forward direction. Players should also look to play forward when possible and look to exploit the space created, taking advantage through creating 2v1s where possible.
1. Set up with two teams playing a small-sided game, without conditions
2. Players should work on short, sharp movements to lose defenders and receive the ball in space
3. Players should also look to make runs o the ball to create space, allowing team-mates to exploit that space
