
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
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.
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.
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.
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