Small-sided game: We’re outnumbered!

WHY USE IT

The final practice allows players to apply what they have worked on in the previous two practices and closely replicates the full version of the game.

SET UP

Set up an area appropriate for your players, split into three channels running the full length of the field – the middle channel is wider than the other two. Players are split into two teams, with two additional support players, who help whichever team is in possession.

HOW TO PLAY

Play a normal game. Support players are encouraged to occupy the wide channels to help give the team in possession width, but they are not locked in and are free to go anywhere on the pitch.

COACHING POINTS

• The team out of possession is encouraged to use the channels as guidelines to help with their positioning on the pitch. They should never be in more than two channels and should occupy the central channel only, when the ball is in this area of the pitch. 
• Similar messages from the previous practices should be reinforced: Distance and angles between team-mates; look to dictate where the player on the ball goes (look to force them out wide); body shape and positioning; identify an opportunity to try and win the ball.