Small-Sided Game Zone Occupation

Pitch: Mark out a playing area of 20 x 20 metres with cones and divide it into four equally sized areas with further cones at the midpoints of the sides. On two opposite sides a goal stands about 5 metres behind the line.

Equipment: 8 cones, 2 goals, bibs in three colours, balls.

Players: Two teams, plus two goalkeepers and one neutral player in a separate bib colour.

• The two teams play against each other, the neutral player always plays for the team in possession.
• Each team has to keep all four areas occupied at all times.
• The goalkeepers may neither cross the halfway line nor leave the playing area.
• In a 4 plus 1 vs 4 only the neutral player may move freely across the whole playing area, so that a 2 vs 1 becomes possible in every area.

Variations:

• Limit the number of touches.
• Limit the number of passes per zone.
• Introduce a time limit per zone.

Note: Drill idea by Eddie Plickat.