Technical and Tactical Applications of Small Sided Games Lee Cullip

Let the game be the teacher “The more closely training replicates the real game, the easier players will be able to transfer what they do in training to the real game.” NSCAA Academy

Small Sided Games Should Replicate Pieces of the Big Game 1.Teaching and Reinforcing Technical Skills a. Players improve technical ability by continual repetition within functional framework. 1. i.e. left back into central midfield player

Technical Skills cont… These technical skills practiced in a 6v6 small sided game can be practiced repetitively Left back receiving ball from center back Left back receiving ball from center back Timing of pass Timing of pass Weight and accuracy of pass Weight and accuracy of pass Timing of midfield check Timing of midfield check Receiving ball under pressure Receiving ball under pressure Turning or Shielding Turning or Shielding

Attacking and Defending 2. Teaching attacking and defending tactics a. Team plays in a formation. The coach wants to teach players to funnel passes at angles to enable midfielder to anticipate and intercept pass to opposing midfield.

Attacking and Defending cont’d… Intercepting can be replicated in an 8v8 small sided game. The defending team is shaped in a and the attacking team is shaped in a The defending team is shaped in a and the attacking team is shaped in a 3-3-1

Attacking and Defending cont’d… Teaching players when to penetrate with vertical passes and when to play the ball diagonally, sideways, or backwards. Attacking team is in a and defending team is in a Attacking team is in a and defending team is in a 4-4-2

Attacking and Defending cont’d… These attacking tactics can again be replicated in small sided games. The players are presented with a series of repetitive scenarios where they must read the constantly occurring visual cues. The players are presented with a series of repetitive scenarios where they must read the constantly occurring visual cues. 5v5

Team Building 3. Implementing team building with groups of players

Developing Competitiveness 4. It is important to develop competitiveness within the squad. Squad of 16. Teams play round robin or winners play winners 4v4 with GK’s playing in the field

Specific Purposes of Small Sided Games 2v2 and 3v3 Role of first and second (and third) attacker Role of first and second (and third) attacker Role of first and second (and third) defender Role of first and second (and third) defender Switching Roles Switching Roles Transition Transition Additional Exercises 2v2 to targets 2v2 to targets 2v2 with side support 2v2 with side support 2v2 with support behind 2v2 with support behind 2v2 with all the above 2v2 with all the above

Purposes cont’d… 4v4 and 5v5 (4+keeper) 4 outfield players is the smallest number that can replicate the full game. Player in possession of the ball can pass the ball in 3 directions. 4 outfield players is the smallest number that can replicate the full game. Player in possession of the ball can pass the ball in 3 directions. All players are involved at all times. All players are involved at all times. First introduction to the importance of shape. First introduction to the importance of shape. Shape helps teach the players to read the visual cues. Shape helps teach the players to read the visual cues. Shape puts functional demands on players. Shape puts functional demands on players.

Purposes Cont’d… Shape is the teacher - Diamond

Purposes cont’d… 6v6 Introduction to phase play. (Playing from one third into another.) Teaches players at the back of the team angles of support, composure on the ball and reading of passing angles. Teaches players at the front of the team where and when to check, how to receive the ball with their back to the goal and staggering their position. Can be used to teach players zonal, or man-to-man defending. Teach front players angles of approach in defending. Teaches back players positioning when marking Recommended Shape 3-2 (plus goalkeeper)

Purpose Cont’d… Introduction to Phase Play.

Purposes cont’d… 7v7 (includes goalie) Team shape; 1-3-2, 2-3-1, Introduction of thirds of the field. Establishes one line of width. Playing through the midfield. Collective Defending.

Purposes Cont’d… versus 2-3-1

Purposes cont’d… 8 v 8 Team shape; 2-3-2, 3-2-2, Use of team shape to teach different themes, 2-3-2, training 2 center backs or 2 center forwards , training 2 center backs or 2 center forwards , training 2 central midfielders to play together, using outside backs to attack from deep positions , training 2 central midfielders to play together, using outside backs to attack from deep positions , overlapping, counter attacking, zonal defending (2 lines of 3) etc , overlapping, counter attacking, zonal defending (2 lines of 3) etc.

Purposes Cont’d… 8 versus 8 Shapes

Research Rick Fenoglio (Manchester Metropolitan University) year long study comparing 4v4 to 8v8 at Manchester United Academy U9 program: Number of passes - increase of 135% Number of goals scored - increase of 500% Number of goals scored - increase of 500% Number of 1v1 encounters - 225% Number of dribbling skills (tricks) 280%

Further Learning Let the Game be the Teacher by Paul Coopers by Paul Coopers Dutch Soccer Drills 5 – Small Sided Games By Henny Kormelink NSCAA Tactical Development - DVD "The World Cup wasn't won (in 1966) on the playing fields of England. It was won on the streets" Bobby Charlton