Force them wide

WHY USE IT

Help players understand how to protect central areas of the pitch in the defensive third.

SET UP

Split the area into three lengthways channels, the central one much wider than the other two. At one end is a goal with a goalkeeper, while, at the opposite end, at the end of the wide channels, are two small goals. Split players into two teams – if there is an odd number, a support player can be used. The team attacking the main goal have one player locked into each wide channel.

HOW TO PLAY

The attacking team aims to score in the big goal. If they pass into one of the wide channels, one player from the defending team can enter that channel. Once the ball leaves the channel, the defender must return to the central channel. If the defending team wins the ball, all players become unlocked and they aim to score into one of the small goals.

Progressions: Allow one wide attacker at a time to enter the central channel, or an attacker can leave the central area and enter a wide channel to create a 2v1.

COACHING POINTS

• Defending team must try to force the attacking team to play into the wide channels. 
• As a team, they must remain compact so they protect the space centrally and stop the attacking team from penetrating and scoring.