Three Team Small-Sided Game

Objective

• -Short, intense games with natural rest
• -Test the session theme in a competitive game
• -Keep every player involved with minimal standing

Setup

1. 1A 30 x 25 pitch with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Three teams of three or four in different bibs.
3. 3Waiting team stands behind one goal with the balls.

How to play

1. 1Two teams play, the winner of each two minute game stays on.
2. 2Concede and you come off immediately for the waiting team.
3. 3Keep a running scoreboard across the whole block.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Slow changeovers killing the tempo
• -Waiting team switching off
• -Games too long so intensity drops