Rethinking in the Small-Sided Game

Pitch: Mark out an area of 30 x 25 metres with four cones. On the short sides there is one full-size goal in the centre of each, on the longer sides 2 mini goals each, alternatively dribbling goals.

Equipment: 4 cones, 2 full-size goals, 4 mini goals, bibs in two colours, balls.

Players: Two goalkeepers plus two teams. With an odd number of players a neutral player is designated who plays exclusively for the team in possession.

• The two teams first play on the full-size goals.
• If a goal is scored there, the direction of play changes by 90 degrees and play is now on the mini goals.
• The two goalkeepers become outfield players and play for the team that has scored.
• The goalkeeper who has conceded the goal collects the ball out of the goal as quickly as possible and brings it back into the playing area by dribbling or with a pass. The first pass has to be played away from the goals being attacked.
• After a goal on a mini goal the direction of play changes again and the goalkeepers go back into the goals without delay.

Variations:

• Allow only ground balls.
• Limit the touches.
• Before a goal, every player in the team must have touched the ball.
• Allow only first-time finishes.
• At a higher level, change the direction of play so that the full-size goals change teams as well.
• At a higher level, do not assign the goals to fixed teams, so that goals may be scored on all of them.

Note: Drill idea by Eddie Plickat.