Off-the-ball positions

WHY USE IT

Helps players to understand where they should be positioned when their team does not have the ball, working on the principle of being compact out of possession.

SET UP

Mark out a pitch to a size suitable for the age, ability and number of your players, then split it into four vertical channels. Add a goal at each end, with a goalkeeper.

HOW TO PLAY

The game is played as normal, but the channels act as a guide for players as to where they should be positioned when the opposition has the ball. Players should be challenged to be in no more than three channels at a time. If the ball is in one wide channel, there should not be any defenders in the opposite wide channel. If the ball is in one of the central channels, the defenders should not be in either of the wide channels.

Coaching points

Players should concentrate on the distances between themselves and their team-mates. They must remain compact and try to stop the opposition from playing through them. As the ball travels across the pitch from one channel to another, defenders should evaluate their position and adjust where needed; sliding across the pitch to help the team remain compact.