Finding the problem is first, why are we here? The second step is figuring out who needs to work on it, the players in question. Next they'll need an objective, a goal, which will mean something to them in the context of the problem. Choosing the correct goal is an important part of building the small sided game. It adds allot to the realism of the situation the players will face. While some goals are useful in general terms, the basic game, and can be used in a variety of situations others are better suited for specific problems. The following separates goals into five groups. Three groups deal with the three team functions, the fourth deals with technical problems and the fifth involves situations when the two teams have different needs
Attacking play should always end with a shot on goal. Players should be encouraged to shoot, it is the most realistic way to finish this team function. To encourage shooting regular goals should be used with or without goalkeepers. See the KNVB's shooting game for one example. Playing 5, 6 or 7 a side with regular goals and without goalkeepers will also encourage shooting.
In
this shooting game the goals are 10-12 yds wide and there are no goalkeepers.
In order to score the ball must be taken out of the air, either a volley or a
header. The size of the goals can be adjusted to the players abilities. A neutral
player might help in order to insure allot of quality serves in the build up.
Building up play differs from attacking play in its objective. The build up might be to move some of the opponents into poor positions or to hold on to the ball and kill the game. Building up play is different in the playmaking and counter attacking style. 5v2, big goal, two small goal game, four goal game and line soccer are four examples of games that focus on the build up.
Target
players. In this 3v3 game both teams score a goal when they get the ball from
one target player to the other, black #7 & 1. When a team wins the ball they
pass it to either T.P. and attempt to get across the field. When there, the T.P.
passes back to the color that gave them the ball and they attempt to go the other
way. (T.P.'s are a good role for the coaches.)
End
zones. This is a hybrid between line soccer and target players. To score either
team must work the ball out of one end zone, maintain possession and complete
a pass in the opposite end zone. When they do they can score again by returning
to the opposite end zone. The defending team must win possession and begin their
buildup from either end zone.
Recessed
goals. By dropping the goals a few yards off of the field a neutral zone is
created. This can be a safe haven for a goal keeper or serve as the goal area
for a game of "last man back is the goal keeper." In this case each
team is allowed to pass back to the goal keeper who can start the build up again.
Often very young children are reluctant to shoot and recessed goals used without goal keepers will help them to understand the need of shooting from a distance. In this case they are used for attacking play. For another example of recessed goals see the sweeper keeper game.
As a general rule defenders should work in front of a real goal with a goalkeeper. However, playing without a goalkeeper puts them under added pressure and forces them to be more aggressive when defending and more aware of mistakes when in possession. A good game for defending can be made by by changing the starting point of the big goal, two small goals game from the goalkeeper and the team coming out to a point between the two small goals for the team going in. This way the defenders are under pressure in a realistic part of the field and they have a realistic goal to counter attack. Plus with a new ball constantly coming into play they can't afford to go to sleep.
Goals can be made for small technical problems. Four square, soccer tennis and the heading game all deal with the ball in the air. The passing game and slam focus on kicking skills.
Hoops.
Some old bicycle tires can used as goals. In this 2v2 game the objective for both
teams is to score a goal by stopping the ball inside any one of the tires. The
focus is different then in line soccer, there is a greater emphasis on screening,
turning and stopping and the game tends to be slower. Direction can still be maintained
by placing a tire in each corner similar to the 4 goal game.
3v2
with one small goal and line soccer. In this game the three orange play line soccer
and the two blue can score directly in the goal. While the orange have a numerical
advantage the field is longer for them and a mistake can be punished quickly.
