Small-sided game: Movement off the ball

WHY USE IT

This small-sided game enables players to focus on the concepts of spatial awareness and movement off the ball in a free-flowing match scenario.

SET UP

Split players into two teams. Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players, with a goal at each end. We have set up penalty box to penalty box, using the full width.

HOW TO PLAY

Allow players to play a small-sided game with no conditions, but with reminders of the key principles of moving off the ball and exploiting space.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage lots of short, sharp movements to receive the ball in space and taking a positive first touch, preferably in a forward direction. 
• Players should also look to play forward when possible and look to exploit the space created, taking advantage through creating 2v1s where possible.