Small-Sided Game: Hitting on the break

WHY USE IT

This progressive, three-part session develops speed of play and the awareness and ability to hit teams on the counter-attack. 

SET UP

Set up as in the previous phase of play. 

HOW TO PLAY

Play as in the previous phase of play, but this time look to coach the ‘what ifs’. So, when working on the four options outlined previously, look to address alternative ways of playing should the ways to exploit them not be available. 

What if...the full-back is not high enough to exploit space in behind? Look to play into the striker and get runners from deep to support play.

What if...the centre-back does not come with the striker to create space in behind? Play into the striker’s feet to turn and commit centre-back.

What if...the Blues are spaced to not leave open side? A centre-midfielder overlaps with wing-back to create overload.

What if...a ball set back from a striker can’t be played forward to second striker? The ball can go wide to the wing-back supporting the play.

COACHING POINTS

• Pass forward
• Run forward
• Strikers’ runs
• Direct play with quality
• Midfield support
• Exploit space