Small-sided game: Mastering the flanks

WHY USE IT

This session focuses on moving the ball quickly into wide areas and exploiting space in those areas. It is ideal for 16 players and perfect if there is no goalkeeper attending your session.

SET UP

Set up a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. The area needs a square marked out in each corner, two for each team to score in.

HOW TO PLAY

Play 7v7 plus two neutral players on the outside. Each team defends two boxes located on the corners of the field. Goals are scored by trying to find a player with a penetrating pass inside the box. The team that scores maintains possession and transitions to their other goalscoring square - can the opposition team immediately press?. Two wide neutral players support the team in possession, looking to play inside quickly.

COACHING POINTS

Be patient in possession and look for an overload situation to attack. Can we receive away from pressure, can we look to get forwards with our first touch? Look for penetrating runs and providing width and depth.