Small-Sided Game through the Centre

Age U6 - U13, U14 - U19, Men's / Women's
Training Set End
Number of Players 6 - 9 players, 10-15 players, 16-22+ players

Setup

Pitch: Play takes place on one half of the pitch from the goal line to the halfway line. The regular full-size goal stands on the goal line, a second goal on the halfway line. On both touchlines a triangular zone is marked out with flat markers: its base is the touchline from the corner flag to the halfway line, its tip points towards the centre at half the depth. These zones may not be played in.

Equipment: Markers, bibs, balls, 2 goals.

Players: Two teams with goalkeepers. The format described is designed for a U14, for younger age groups the pitch size should be adjusted.

Procedure

A free game is played, the cut-off zones may not be played in.
The goalkeeper may not play the ball beyond the halfway line from the goal kick.
Only ground balls are allowed so that as few high balls as possible land in the blocked zones.

Tip

The blocked outside zones force play through the densely packed centre and therefore into tight spaces.
The players have to keep moving constantly and show for the ball in order to gain space and create passing options.

Training attributes

Technique

Technique: Trapping Ball control Dribbling Passing Shot technique/shooting Goalkeeping techniques

Tactics

Tactics: Team behavior Pressing Opening the field Player behavior Games plays Transition drill

Condition

Condition: Speed of movement with ball Speed of movement off the ball Football-specific endurance

Co-ordination

Co-Ordination: Quick anticipation Quick processing

Training Organization

Age: U6 - U13 U14 - U19 Men's / Women's
Duration: 40 min
Training Set: End
Number of Players: 6 - 9 players 10-15 players 16-22+ players
Goalkeeper: 2 goalies
Form of Training: Game Systems
Exercise level: Difficult
Spatial Behavior: Half-field
Training Location: Pitch