Soccer Exercise
8 vs 8 + Goalkeeper in Rotation with Three 8-Player Teams
- Age U6 - U13, U14 - U19
- Training Set Main point
Setup
16 field players take their positions according to the diagram in the upper half of the field, and a goal is set up on both goal lines. The ball-possessing blue 8-player team positions two forwards, one player each on the right and left flanks, two midfielders in the half position, and two centre backs/target players at the midfield line. The defending yellow-red 8-player team positions itself 20 m in front of their own goal in a back four on a line (8-12 metres spacing between each) and in front of them the four-player midfield line. The red-white team positions itself 20-25 m in front of their own goal in a 4-4 formation on a line (8-12 metres spacing between each). Two grey target players stand at the midfield line. Each goal has a goalkeeper.
Procedure
Three 8-player teams are formed. The blue team plays against the yellow-red team. After completing the attack or when the defending team wins the ball and passes to one of the two grey target players at the midfield line, the yellow-red team becomes the attacking team toward the opposite goal, takes the 2-4-2 formation, and plays against the red-white team. After completing this situation, the red-white team plays toward the opposite goal against the blue team, which has set up there in a 4-4 formation. The defensive and midfield line is constantly required to execute the movement patterns of the back four. The goalkeeper acts as a sort of sweeper and organiser. The team in the 2-4-2 formation tries to score through quick ball circulation, switches of play, overlapping runs, dribbling, crosses, and through balls. The offside rule applies. This game format takes place in constant rotation (attacking and defending in alternation).
Tip
The focus of this game format is on practising defensive movement patterns, training offensive play against two back fours, and quick transition from defence to attack. - On offence, constant movement, communication, and quick, precise passing is required. According to the 2-4-2 formation, depth staggering of the players must be ensured, and consequently movement on a flat line must be avoided (depth staggering means creating passing options). - The defensive and midfield players always act as a unit and must not get too far apart. - The goal for the defenders is to either win possession or push the ball-carrying attacker into the non-dangerous area toward the side and block his passing lane to the goal/to his teammate through double-teaming. - The task of the ball-near defender is to press the ball carrier. The other two defensive players cover the back area (defensive triangle). - Through passes into depth to the forwards, the defensive line is forced into forward movement. By switching the ball, the defensive line is forced to shift forward and to the side. This results in the attacking team gaining space in depth, as well as the opportunity to switch play diagonally to the open side. - The passers in the back should not push up too close to the players in front and should always maintain 25-30 metres distance from the forwards, so they permanently have the play in front of them and can 'run onto' balls to quickly relay them with one touch. - 2 full-size goal(s)
Training attributes
Technique
- Technique
- Passing
Tactics
- Tactics
- Team behavior
Condition
- Condition
- Speed of movement with ball Speed of movement off the ball Basic Endurance GAT Strength training Explosiveness
Co-ordination
- Co-Ordination
- Quick anticipation Quick processing
Training Organization
- Age
- U6 - U13 U14 - U19
- Duration
- 40 min
- Training Set
- Main point
- Goalkeeper
- 2 goalies
- Form of Training
- Individual training Team training Game Systems
- Exercise level
- Intermediate
- Training Location
- Pitch Indoor