Small-sided game: Out from the back

WHY USE IT

A small-sided game providing an environment where the players are encouraged to play out from the back using the wide areas.

SET UP

Use the same pitch as the previous practice, with a channel still down each side, but with the additional area in front of one of the goals removed. Both teams now also have a goalkeeper.

HOW TO PLAY

The practice always starts with a goalkeeper, so there are no throw-ins or corners.  There are no rules in terms of the channels - players are not locked inside them or told to go into them when their team has possession of the ball. Instead they are used as ‘guidelines’ to help the players understand how providing width as a team can help them play out from the back.

COACHING POINTS

The focus is now on players supporting their team-mate on the ball by creating angles and ensuring they are an effective option. To do this, some players will need to position themselves within a channel and higher up the pitch than their team-mate in possession. Players also need to recognise when there is an opportunity to play forward and when they need to utilise the spaces in other areas of the pitch.