Small-Sided Games

Finishing Three Team Rotation Game

Keep intensity high with short, sharp games

Small-Sided Games
Transition
Possession
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Keep intensity high with short, sharp games. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Small-Sided Games
Transition
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
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Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Finishing

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

22 min

Players

9-18

Area / pitch size

36 x 30 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

Keep intensity high with short, sharp games

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Objective

  • -Keep intensity high with short, sharp games
  • -Give every team regular rest and reflection
  • -Reward teams that keep winning

Setup

  1. 1One pitch with a resting team waiting on the side line in a 36 x 30 yards area.
  2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
  3. 3Balls beside the resting team, three sets of bibs.

How to play

  1. 1Two teams play a three-minute game while the third rests.
  2. 2The winner stays on and the resting team comes in.
  3. 3Play a full round-robin and keep a running score.
  4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
  5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Coaching points

  • -Start fast — the games are short
  • -Use the rest to talk tactics
  • -Fresh legs press hardest
  • -Head up before the strike — pick the side, then commit

Progressions

  • +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Slow changeovers
  • -Resting team switching off completely
  • -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball

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