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LOGINSmall-sided game: Recover and regroup
This session develops players out-of-possession, working on delaying, denying and dictating.
WHY USE IT
Links individual and unit pressure to how to delay the opposition and regain shape in a match situation.
SET UP
Split an area into quarters across the width. For greater numbers, consider two pitches as recovery runs on a larger pitch will take their toll. Put three balls beside each goal for the progression.
HOW TO PLAY
Play for five minutes. Get players to run at each other, encouraging 1v1s. Introduce individual delay for team out of possession: can the nearest player apply pressure and slow down an attack after transition? Can the team get into two units and defend a quarter each? Get them to communicate who is doing what.
Progression 1: Three balls beside each goal are each team’s ‘lives’, used up with a goal or out of play etc. Encourage teams to win balls from opponents, transition and score.
Progression 2: If the out-of-possession team gets everyone back in their half within five seconds of a transition, they win a life.
COACHING POINTS
Introducing ‘lives’ forces players to think: “Do I simply stop the attack or try to win the ball back and counter?”. Ask: does your centre-forward need to get back and defend the goal or can they be in the first unit, ready to transition and break? Have fun, encourage 1v1s, and let players play.
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