Teaching In SmallSided Games

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Teaching In Small-Sided Games
US Youth Soccer Coaches WorkshopIndianapolis 2003

• Glen Buckley
• State Director of Coaching
• New York State West Youth Soccer Association
• English F.A. Advanced License, UEFA A License,
• USSF A License, NSCAA Premiere Diploma,
• USSF National Youth License

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Teaching In Small-Sided Games
Purpose To demonstrate shape for attack and
defense. 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5 games will be used to
illustrate shape during the three main moments
in the game 1. In possession of the ball 2.
Opponent in possession of the ball. 3.
Changing possession Transition.
When You are in Possession . . . Players must
make the field as large as possible by spreading
wide and deep. Pass the ball deep (forward)
when ever possible. Keep possession. Create
chances to score.
When Your Opponent is in Possession . . . Players
must make playing area as small as possible, and
depending on the situation 1. Press the ball
(Move toward it) 2. Delay (Move toward own
goal) 3. Squeeze (Move toward the
flanks) Pressure must be put on the player in
possession. Mark TIGHT nearer to the ball, and
LOOSE the further you are away from the ball.
Maintain good depth and balance.
When A Change of Possession Occurs . . . When
Losing Possession 1. Nearest player applies
immediate pressure to the ball 2. Remaining
players recover behind the ball When Regaining
Possession 1. Player in possession attempts
to play forward 2. Players close to the ball
offer support Players away from the ball make
the field big (length and width).
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Teaching In Small-Sided Games

• Key Coaching Points
• Attack. Players should try to form a triangular
  shape to provide width and length. Provide
  good angles of support for safe passes. Try to
  combine in two player combinations to penetrate.

Game 3 v 3
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Teaching In Small-Sided Games

• Key Coaching Points
• Attack. Now, the shape is a diamond, creating
• length and width on both
  sides. Angles of
• support offer depth for good
  passing
• opportunities. Look for 2
  and 3 player
• combinations. A deep player
  provides
• opportunity for an early
  pass from the back.
• Flank (width) play on both
  sides to increase
• attacking opportunities.

Game 4 v 4
Defense. Compact behind the ball applying
pressure, cover and balance. Delay to allow
time to get numbers behind the ball.
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Teaching In Small-Sided Games

• Key Coaching Points
• Attack. Shape now has a central player. Players
  should use the central player to connect from
  side to side and from back to front.

Game 5 v 5
Defense. Team shape is compact and goal side of
the ball. Small group defending applying
pressure, cover and balance.