Small-sided game: Scan when you can

WHY USE IT

Allows players to practice within an environment that closely replicates the actual game. The conditions within the game ensure players continue to concentrate on the main focus of the session.

SET UP

Pitch size needs to be relevant for your players. Within the pitch are two small areas, located either side of the halfway line. Inside each of these areas is a support player.

HOW TO PLAY

Play as normal, with a few additional rules. Play always starts with a goalkeeper (so no throw-ins or corners). The team that starts with the ball must play through one of the support players before they can attempt to score a goal. They win one point for successfully playing through a support player, and an additional point for scoring a goal. If the other team wins possession, they can attempt to score a goal straight away.

Coaching points

• Players must identify when there is an opportunity to play into one of the support players and exploit the opportunity quickly, as the opposition will be looking to prevent it.
• The team-mates of the player on the ball need to help create spaces so the ball can be played to a support player.