Practice: 'Sharks' and 'fishes'

WHY USE IT

This practice allows players to develop their 1v1 skills, before building in 2v2 and 3v3.

SET UP

Set up a relatively small area, with a mini goal at each end. Players are split into two teams and start to the side of their goal. Each player in each team is given a number, e.g. 1-5.

HOW TO PLAY

The coach calls out a number designated to one of the players. The player from each team with that number enters the pitch as the coach plays the ball in. Players battle for possession and play 1v1 until a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play. As a progression, the coach can call out two or three numbers, and those players from each team work together in a 2v2 or 3v3.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage players to be creative and confident in possession. When players are defending, can they get side-on to force their opponent away from goal and be patient in winning the ball? When playing 2v2 or 3v3, encourage movement off the ball to create space and encourage players to try different types of passes.