“Teaching In Small-Sided Games”

Glen BuckleyState Director of Coaching

New York State West Youth Soccer Association

English F.A. Advanced License, UEFA A License,

USSF A License, NSCAA Premiere Diploma,

USSF National Youth License

US Youth Soccer Coaches WorkshopIndianapolis 2003

Apr 19, 2023 Glen Buckley, NYSWYSA Director of Coaching

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Teaching In Small-Sided GamesTeaching In Small-Sided Games

Purpose

To demonstrate shape for attack and defense. 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5 games will be used to illustrate shape during the three main “moments” in the game:

1. In possession of the ball2. Opponent in possession of the ball.3. Changing possession – Transition.

When You are in Possession . . .

Players must make the field as large as possible by spreading wide and deep.

Pass the ball deep (forward) when ever possible.

Keep possession.

Create chances to score.

When Your Opponent is inPossession . . .

Players must make playing area as small as possible, and depending on the situation …

1. Press the ball (Move toward it)2. Delay (Move toward own goal)3. Squeeze (Move toward the flanks)

Pressure must be put on the player in possession. Mark TIGHT nearer to the ball, and LOOSE the further you are away from the ball. Maintain good depth and balance.

When A Change of PossessionOccurs . . .

When Losing Possession:

1. Nearest player applies immediate pressure to the ball

2. Remaining players recover behind the ball

When Regaining Possession:

1. Player in possession attempts to play forward

2. Players close to the ball offer support

Players away from the ball make the field big (length and width).

Apr 19, 2023 Glen Buckley, NYSWYSA Director of Coaching

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Defense. Players should be compact and recover behind the ball. Pressure, cover and

depth when the ball is central. Pressure, cover and balance when the ball is wide. Delay

to allow time to get numbers behind the ball.‘s have good defending shape

Key Coaching Points

Attack. Players should try to form a triangular shape to provide width and length. Provide good angles of support for safe passes. Try to combine in two player combinations to

penetrate.

Game 3 v 3

Teaching In Small-Sided GamesTeaching In Small-Sided Games

‘s have good attacking shape

Apr 19, 2023 Glen Buckley, NYSWYSA Director of Coaching

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Key Coaching Points

Attack. Now, the shape is a diamond, creating length and width on both sides. Angles of support offer depth for good passing opportunities. Look for 2 and 3 player combinations. A deep player provides opportunity for an early pass from the back. Flank (width) play on both sides to increase attacking opportunities.

Game 4 v 4

Teaching In Small-Sided GamesTeaching In Small-Sided Games

Defense. Compact behind the ball applying pressure, cover and balance. Delay to allow time to get numbers behind the ball.

Apr 19, 2023 Glen Buckley, NYSWYSA Director of Coaching

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Key Coaching Points

Attack. Shape now has a central player. Players should use the central player to connect from side to side and from back to front.

Game 5 v 5

Teaching In Small-Sided GamesTeaching In Small-Sided Games

Defense. Team shape is compact and goal side of the ball. Small group defending applying

pressure, cover and balance.