5v5 to 8v8 with Neutral Players

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Organisation

• 4 cones to mark the field
• Divide into a 5v5 game (or more, up to 8v8) with 4 neutral players
Process

Play in a 5v5 (or more, up to 8v8) game with 4 neutral players focusing on ball retention. The goal is to move the ball between the neutral players on the opposite ends of the field. The neutral players always play with the team in possession of the ball.
Tip

Coaching Points

• Expand the playing field
• Offer support in an open position
• Move into depth to get out of the defensive shadow
• Neutral players should adjust their positions to avoid being in the defensive shadow of opposing players
• Look for open spaces to receive the ball
• Always create at least 3 passing options - left, right, central
Field size

32m x 16m

Training Set

Main point

Duration

25 min

Age

U09 - Men's / Women's

Tactics

Man down/Man up, Player behavior, One on one, One On One, Transition drill, Quick transitioning (defense to offense), Quick transitioning (offense to defense), Transitional play (shifting the game)