"In the concept of the Dutch Soccer Association the child occupies center stage. In other words,
we create conditions in which children can begin to act independently."1
Coaching Soccer
Click here for a short YouTube video on the field.
Now that we know the problem, the number of players and what goals are needed we will have a good idea of how to design the field. The layout and dimensions are the next important step in building a small sided game. Some examples have already been presented: Long and narrow, the counter attacking game. Wide and short, the four goal game. When a field has been laid out at practice it's advisable to watch the first few minutes of the game and ask "Is this the correct size? Am I seeing what I want to see?" If the size is incorrect, the game might not work and some adjustment will be needed. Remember the Goldielocks Rule "This field is too big, this field is too small and this field is just right."
Size - The first element to watch & change.
When
the field is too small there will be too much conflict and confrontation. Tackle
follows tackle. Trying to get the ball back into play is very difficult and there
is little flow in the game. The stress
level is too high and performance too low. Learning is centered on surviving
and passing responsibility.
When
the field is too big defending is too difficult and the stress
level is too low. The pace slows and there is little sense of urgency. Players
have too much time to make decisions.
The correctly sized field will keep the players constantly working to keep the ball in play and achieve their objectives. The size will vary for every team, every game and even surface conditions. What is important is Does this size field work for what you want? If not, change it. Trying to coach on a field that doesn't suit the situation is a waste of time.
This
is a variation of the 5v2 build up game.
By making the field circular instead of rectangular the attackers will find it
easier to take correct angles and wont get in each others way as often. The four
goal game requires a wider then long field.
The counter attacking game requires a very
long and narrow field, (some u-10's trained on a field 60 yds. long by 12 yds.
wide. After a few practices the game became very fast and intense with immediate
couter attacks becoming the focal point for scoring.)
Zones - Useful for specific ideas.
Breakout
1. The game starts with a 3v2 in a small area of the field and a 1v1+GK (optional)
in the larger area. In this example Orange must bring the ball out from their
end and find a pass to their #9. The five players in the small top box must stay
in it until the ball crosses into the larger box. The orange must look for the
correct moment to play the ball up to the top striker. When the ball crosses into
the bigger box then one orange can follow it to support the #9 making it a 2v1.
Variation, the game can go live when the ball crosses the line and all restrictions
are off, in this case it's an open 4v4. See numbers
up game.
Breakout
2. This game combines a modified field, goals and rules. 5v4 on a field divided
into three zones. To start the team in possession has the ball and a 3v2 in one
of the end zones. the other four players are in the opposite end zone. To score
the team in possession must get one of their players free to breakout of the end
zone, carry the ball across the middle zone and pass the ball to a team mate in
the opposite zone. The defending team must win the ball and dribble out of the
grid to score. Only the breakout player can enter the middle zone. Options: Restrict
the number of touches the breakout player has in the middle zone, i.e. three touch,
ball can't stop. Put another defender in the middle zone for a 1v1. To breakout,
the attackers must use a through ball, they cannot dribble into the middle zone,
the ball must be passed into it and must enter the middle before the receiving
player does. Allow the attacking team to dribble out of the zone.
Get
back game. In this game two zones are set up in front of each goal. When a team
scores a goal and there are fewer then two defenders in their last zone the goal
counts as three points. This requires the team to understand the need to have
certain players take a more defensive role in order to not give up the three pointer.
However, if they are to negative and don't come forward they will have a difficult
time pressing the attack. They must find a balance between supporting the attack
and covering against the quick counter attack.
Click on the image to see some
scenes about the field from the "Street
Soccer" DVD in a Real Time video.
Purchase an online
copy from TotalVid.com
here.
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Problems |
| Players |
| Goals |
| Field |
| Rules |
| Ball |
