Getting soccer players to be aware of their positions on the soccer pitch is an important part of their match day experience. If players can cover all areas in defence or attack, they will make playing the game easier for themselves.
This is a great game for defensive angles, changing roles of attack and spatial awareness.
How to set the soccer game up
Pitch size: 30 yards long by 20 yards wide (minimum) up to 40 yards long by 25 yards wide (maximum).
Two teams of four players, four mini goals and three flags to make a triangle.
The rules
One team defends the triangle goal while the other defends the four mini goals.
The team defending the triangle goal must nominate a goalkeeper while the other three players try to pressure and win the ball.
There is no offside.
The game is played for two periods with the roles being reversed after half time.
If the ball leaves play, you have a few restart options:
1. The coach passes a new ball on to the pitch
2. The players take a roll in
3. The players take a throw in
4. The players make a pass in
5. The players dribble in
The game is played for a set time period, determined by the coach.
Why this game works
Defence and attack are only a great tackle or a misplaced pass apart.
Players can vary between tight passing and long-range breakaway moves.
The game encourages speed, sensible aggression and accuracy.
Transitions are a vital part of match play - players must react quickly to winning or losing the ball because in these instances games are won or lost. It is vital that as soon as the ball is won or lost teams react instantly. An attacking team that has lost the ball must work hard to immediately win it back and a team that has won the ball must attack at pace. MORE
It is important to press defenders and not give them chance to play long passes that can catch an unwary defence out. Coaching players to force the player at the back to play short gives chances for team mates to push on and win possession. MORE
When you hear mentor's talking about getting your coaching point across to get the best out of your players, one of the ways to ensure all your players are tuning into your coaching is to use small-sided games. In these games you get a much clearer picture of which players are picking up on the coaching points you have been making. MORE
This is a good session to teach players to shoot or combine to shoot quickly from varied distances under pressure. The more players shoot, the more chance the team has of scoring goals. MORE
Session on heading for older age groups 16+. Please check your local rules on heading during practise. This is all about making the most of high balls in the penalty area to score more goals. MORE