“You never see players on the park lining up to do a drill.

You see them playing the game. For them the game
already fulfills every criteria.”
JOHAN CRUIJFF
Champions League Winning
Player and Manager
3x World Player of the Year and
European Player of the Century

“In 20 years of playing I’ve not seen 1 second of a match

that looked anything like a shooting drill.”
ANDREW COLE
230 Career Goals
English Premier League’s
All-Time 2nd Highest Scorer

2 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 SKILLS NOT DRILLS
WHY SMALL SIDED GAMES?
Children join teams to play football, not to stand around in lines or
repeat the same movement over and over again.
Unlike drills, games aren’t regimented - they are dynamic,
imaginative and most of all FUN.
Games give players the chance to score goals, to tackle, to emulate
their heroes. Players also get more touches of the ball and must
utilise a broader range of movements, techniques and skills than in
drills.
These skills can be translated to full-size full-speed games more
easily because the images our players see in training more closely
resemble the ‘moments’ when they need to utilise skills within a
match. Drills can allow players to replicate the movement of a pass,
but only games can replicate the situation as well.
Additionally, SSGs can be easily scaffolded to build up the pressure
and time-constraints on our players gradually. This means the same
conditions can be applied from 1v1 through to 4v4 and up to 11v11
- the only variable is the number of decisions that players have to
make.
And this scaffolding means that every player can be set individual
targets and challenges so, whether they are the strongest player
or are struggling to keep up, they stay engaged in the session and
motivated to improve.
This book contains eight Small Sided Games templates. After
modifications, progressions and variations you could easily use
nothing else for a year’s worth practices. And if you did I promise
your players would be smiling this time next year!

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 3

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’m Pavl Williams, a grassroots football coach
for AFC Urmston Meadowside the Football
Association Charter Standard Club of the Year.
As the founder and editor of ‘Better Football’
(http://www.betterfootball.co.uk) I have spent five
years interviewing expert soccer coaches and researching youth
football development.
But when I started coaching I was about as unprepared as it’s
possible to be!
I’ve played football since I was young but I’d never had a properly
qualified coach, and besides this I didn’t have the faintest idea how
to put across what little knowledge I did have effectively.
So I jumped online and searched for some useful soccer coaching
websites then I bought over twenty books and DVDs from Amazon.
My understanding and confidence grew during this period but there
was always a nagging belief that there had to be better resources
available to soccer coaches and parents:
Those I found were either far too simplistic, were just plain wrong, or
contained good information but confusingly presented - meaning
the more advanced my education got, the harder it was to progress.
That’s why I set-up my own blog and sought out expert coaches who
could help me bring together all of the soccer tactics, techniques
and training methods that grassroots coaches need, and deliver
them in an attractive and informative style.
If you’ve had a similar experience to me, I hope you will find our
site, and this book, a useful resource on your own soccer coaching
journey.
PAVL WILLIAMS
4 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 THE CONTENTS
SSG Coaching Topic Small-Sided Game Pg.
#1 Running With The Ball Chase Alley 6
#2 Disguise & Feint Moves Great Escape 10
#3 Short Passing & Control Interceptors 14
#4 Long Passing & Control Switch It 18
#5 Creating Space Risky Business 22
#6 Counter-Attacking Non-Stop 26
#7 Finishing Hungry Hippos 30
#8 Pressing A Game of Two Halves 34

HOW TO USE THIS REPORT

This report contains 8 Small-Sided Game templates; key coaching
points for a relevant topic, the layout and rules of the game and some
possible modifications and progressions you might use to adjust the
difficulty for individual players.
But each of these games is completely malleable. You can adjust the
size of the pitch, the numbers on teams, the number or position of
the goals, the stipulations for passing/touches/shots and anything
else you like in order to challenge your players.
Experiment, encourage creative football and, crucially, have fun!

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 5

 RUNNING WITH THE BALL
A
TECHNICAL POINTS
Take an aggressive first touch into
the space. [A]
Push the ball forwards with your
front foot on the side furthest
B from the defender.
Point your kicking foot down as it
approaches the ball.
Push the ball forwards with your
little toe and keep the ball within
your stride. [B]
Keep your head up and use your
C eyes to look ahead.
KEY POINTS
Keep the ball within playing
distance. [C]
See what’s ahead of you. [D]
D The quickest route is a straight
line.
Keep the ball away from incoming
challenges.
Consider Risk vs. Reward &
Likelihood of Success

DRIBBLING AT SPEED

6 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 CHASE ALLEY
INITIAL SET-UP
Set-up a series of 30m x 20m
“Mini-Pitches” with two podgoals
and a few balls on each end-line.
Place flags 5m from each end-line
to mark the goal area.
Each “Mini-Pitch” needs four
players but you can have more
if your session has uneven
numbers.
If you have multiple pitches leave CHASE-ALLEY SET-UP
a few metres safety area between
each.
GAME RULES
Players dribble a ball across the
pitch and shoot into either of
their opponents’ goals.
As soon as a player shoots, an
opponent can break the other
way.
If a player scores they earn a goal
and can turn and chase their
opponents .
If a player misses or is tackled
their opponent gets a free run.
STARTING THE GAME
Play for three minutes or until a
team goes three goals up.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 7

 MODIFICATIONS
You should vary the challenge for
each individual to keep all your
players motivated.
If players are struggling to score
offer them points just for reaching
the goal-area and double if they
score.
If players are finding the game
easy, offer extra points if they
get across the pitch with a set
IF PLAYER SCORES...
number of touches.

PROGRESSIONS
Extend the pitch to increase the
technical challenge.
Take one goal away from each
end-line to force increased
accuracy.
Move the goal area so that players
have to shoot from different
distances.
Add an all-time defender in the
...THEY CAN CHASE middle of the pitch.
Play 2v2 - allowing teams to keep
the ball if they score.

8 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 RUNNING WITH THE BALL
THE NEXT STEPS
Continue working on the
aggressive first touch into space
and close ball control during
warm-ups and whenever the
opportunity arises in a game.
A logical progression would be
to look at cutting the ball with
the inside and outside of the foot
and disguise, feint and stop-start
moves to use in 1v1 situations.

FURTHER READING
When Is Dribbling The Best
Option?
http://www.better football.
c o. u k / 2 0 0 9 / 0 6 / t a c t i c a l - p o i n t - i s -
dribbling-the-best-option/

How To Run With The Ball -

Coaching Points
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/01/how-to-run-with-the-
ball-the-coaching-points/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 9

 DISGUISE & FEINT MOVES
A
KEY POINTS
Identify 1v1 situations.
Move the ball quickly, slow the
defender then accelerate away.
“Sell, sell, sell” the move.
B Double-feint to unbalance defender.
Attack the defender’s standing leg.
Accelerate away.

SHIMMY STEP-OVER
C Lift right foot behind the ball, twist
hips to the left and turn right knee
across body to sell fake. [A]
Immediately twist to the right and
bring left leg to outside of the ball,
as if to take with the inside arch of
left foot. [B]

D Pass left foot across the front of the

ball – from outside to in – placing it
alongside the ball. [C]
Take ball away to left with the
outside of left foot and accelerate
away from the defender. [D]

A SHIMMY STEP-OVER

10 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 (This game is included in the
GREAT ESCAPE FA Youth Award Module 1)
read more about the course here

sprint +1pt

backwards
+1pt

side-step
+1pt

jump +1pt
GREAT ESCAPE SET-UP

INITIAL SET-UP GAME RULES

Mark out an area large enough Players can earn points for
to accomodate all the players in ‘escaping’ the area through any of
your session. the gates.
Use poles or tall cones to mark After they have escaped they can
out pairs of gates around the enter again at any point on the
perimeter. perimeter.
Each pair of gates should be Ask players to count how many
around a metre apart. points they earn in two minute
Start the session with a warm-up games.
including lots of fundamental Offer more points for different
movements (running, jumping, methods of ‘escaping’ - work on
twisting, turning etc). agility, speed and balance.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 11

 attacker +1pt
PROGRESSIONS
Add a ‘guard’ to each
pair of gates. guard
attacker
+1pt
Guards can earn -1pt

points by tagging
attackers.
If an attacker is tagged attacker +1pt
they also lose a point.
Next give each player ADD GUARDS TO EACH GATE
a football. points and guards You can also add
Attackers must dribble must make a tackle to floating guards,
through gates to earn earn a point. unattached to gates.

MODIFICATIONS
Offer more points for
getting through gates
with tougher guards.
Offer bonus points for
using particular 1v1
moves effectively.
Let struggling guards
earn 2 points if they
tackle an attacker or 1 ADD FOOTBALLS TO
point if they tag them. PRACTICE DRIBBLING MOVES
If a player is finding to score: This game Give guards balls,
the game easy then encourages players to either in-hand to test
ask them to help a create 2v1 situations co-ordination or to
struggling player at the gates. feet to test control.

12 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 DISGUISE & FEINT MOVES
THE NEXT STEPS
Include ball manipulation skills
in your warm-ups so that players
can practice their favourite 1v1
moves.
Develop your training games
so that attackers can isolate
defenders and provide incentives
for dribbling past opponents.
Look at ‘Stop-Start’ moves and
different techniques for turning.

FURTHER READING
Cut Moves : Coaching Points
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/08/dribbling-cut-moves-
coaching-points/

Inside Cut & Outside Cut Video

http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/08/dribbling-outside-cut-
inside-cut-video/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 13

 SHORT PASSING/CONTROL
INSIDE ARCH PUSH PASS
Plant non-kicking foot alongside
ball. Point knee and toes at target
– this will correctly align body.
Pull kicking leg through a small
backswing and turn knee away
from body.
INSIDE-ARCH PUSH PASS Keep head steady, eyes looking at
point of contact on ball.
Push ball with inside arch, kicking
through the vertical midline to
ensure a straight pass.
Follow-through with kicking leg
for more powerful passes.
Move into space and support.
VERTICAL MIDLINE CUSHION CONTROL
Keep head steady, eyes on ball.
Move across the path of the ball.
Turn knee away from body,
opening the receiving foot.
Cushion ball with inside arch,
pulling foot away on impact to
transfer energy away from ball.
Adjust feet quickly, move ball on.
CUSHION CONTROL

14 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 INTERCEPTOR
INITIAL SET-UP
Set-up a large square pitch, and
divide into four quarters.
Put 3, 4 or 5 players into each area.
Give 1 player in each area a bib
and a ball. These players will be
the ‘interceptors’.
The remaining players have a
ball between them and are the
‘passers’. 2v1, 3v1 & 3v2 GAMES

Remember to change the

interceptors regularly. GAME RULES
The passers must complete 10
passes to earn a goal for their
team.
The interceptors must dribble
around the area trying to
interrupt the passes - but they
must have control of their own
ball at all times.
They earn a goal for every three
interceptions they manage.
DRIBBLERS PRESSURE If the ball goes out of the area
PASSING TEAM then the sequence starts again
with no change to the score.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 15

 MODIFICATIONS
You can play with any combination
of numbers.
Reduce the decisions younger
players have to make by playing
3v1 or increase the challenge by
playing 3v2.
The passers’ target can also be
changed upwards or downwards
depending on the ability of your MOVE TO A LARGER GAME
players.
Also remember to move players
PROGRESSIONS
between areas to offer different
problems. You can add decisions by
increasing the number of
interceptors involved.
Increase the technical difficulty
by increasing the number of
interceptors involved or by
reducing the size of the area.
You can also increase the
challenge for some players by
limiting the number of touches
they’re allowed.
ADD MORE INTERCEPTORS
Offer more points for passing to
segments with no interceptors in
them (using the markers around
the edge of the pitch).

16 www.betterfootball.co.uk
SHORT PASSING/CONTROL

THE NEXT STEPS

You might progress to working
on first touch - into space, turning
or passing with it. You might also
develop your player’s hold-up
play and shielding skills.
You can also work on combination
play (2v1, 2v2 etc) and coach
space creation.

FURTHER READING
Short Passing - More Key Points:
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/06/short-passing-inside-
arch-push-pass/

The 2 Most Important Principles

of Successful Soccer Coaching
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/06/the-2-most-important-
principles-of-successful-soccer-
coaching/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 17

 LONG PASSING
A
LONG DRIVEN PASS
Approach the ball at a slight
angle and plant your non-kicking
foot alongside the ball, with your
toes and knee pointing at your
B target. [A]
Keep your head steady and over
the ball. Look down at the point
of contact on the ball. [B]
Angle the kicking foot so that your
laces strike above the horizontal
C and through the vertical midline.
This will ensure the pass stays low
and straight.
Follow through with your kicking
foot to add more weight. [C]
KEY POINTS
LONG DRIVEN PASS
Play the ball early to exploit space
behind the defence - this pass is
very effective as a through ball.
Long driven passes are more
likely to succeed when played
down the line than through the
more crowded midfield.
LACES CONTACT ABOVE THE This pass can also be used as a
BALL’S HORIZONTAL MIDLINE
strong accurate shot technique.
18 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 SWITCH IT
SWITCH IT SET-UP

direction
of attack

INITIAL SET-UP GAME RULES

Set-up a wide shallow pitch with After each goal the scoring team
two pod goals (or use poles) on stay on and their opponent’s
each end-line. swap with the next waiting team
Position the goals near to the (e.g. Team 3).
corners so they are a fair distance The goal-scoring team picks up
apart. the ball and attacks the opposite
Split players into teams of end-line.
four and number each team. If All other restarts (goal-kicks,
numbers don’t fit neatly you can corners, throw-ins) are the same
have some all-time attackers. as normal football.
Teams 1 and 2 play first. Teams try Play for five minute spells or to
to score in either of the goals on a set number of goals and then
their opponents’ end-line. adjust teams.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 19

 MODIFICATIONS
The game allows
ample opportunities
to find space out wide
and ‘switch’ the play.
But if young players
struggle generating
enough power you
can bring the goals
closer to the middle of
the end-lines. ROTATE TEAMS AFTER A GOAL

Young players will and 3v3 game before time attackers to help
benefit from learning progressing to 4v4. your players build
the rules in a 2v2 You can also add all- possessions.

PROGRESSIONS
You can increase the all-time-attacker

number of decisions
players must make by
awarding goals for a
successful switch and
control, or a series
of ten consecutive
passes. all-time-attacker

Increase the technical

ADD GOALS TO PRACTICE CROSSES
difficulty by making
the pitch wider and/ Add goals and ‘keepers players to finish with
or longer (for power) to create a crossing their first touch. Offer
or shorter (for better and finishing practice. 2 goals if they are
accuracy).
You can also challenge successful.

20 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 LONG PASSING
THE NEXT STEPS
You can develop your practice to
work on position specific skills
such as playing a long ball down
the line or firing low crosses
across the penalty area.
Further sessions might look at
long lofted passes or swerve
passes with the inside arch and
outside arch.

FURTHER READING
Long Lofted Passing Technique:
http://w w w.better football.co.uk/
2009/06/long-passing-lofted-drive/

How To Triple Your Players’

Understanding and Make Your
Coaching Stick
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/07/the-echo-method-how-
to-triple-your-players-understanding-
and-make-your-coaching-stick/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 21

 CREATING SPACE
A
2v1: GIVE-AND-GO
In a 2v1 situation the attackers
always have a route to goal.
If the defender marks the
supporting attacker then that
player can move towards goal
and shoot. [A]
If the defender covers the ball-
carriers direct route to goal then
B the attackers can pass. [B]
A give-and-go combination uses
quick passes and movement
to strand the defender and get
goalside of them. [C]
KEY POINTS
Keep the ball moving forwards.
Losing momentum will allow
a teammate to get back and
support the defender.
C
Be direct - if the defender presents
the space, be prepared to dribble
and shoot on your own.
Don’t hide. If you are the
supporting player make sure the
ball-carrier always has an open
passing angle.

22 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 RISKY BUSINESS

ATTACKERS DEFENDERS EACH GOAL

RISKY BUSINESS 1 v 1 4 pts

INITIAL SET-UP 2 v 1 2 pts
Set-up a small pitch with a goal 3 v 2 3 pts
and goalkeeper at each end.
Divide your group into 2 teams. 4 v 2 1 pts
GAME RULES These players break from the
Every goal scored is worth points sideline towards one of the
- the amount depends on the goals. The associated number
players involved in each ‘turn’. of defenders break from behind
that goal to oppose them.
Both teams have 5 turns to get
as many points as possible. Keep If the attackers score, the
running totals through the game. goalkeeper rolls the ball to
the scorer and the same turn
Start one team on the sideline
continues with an attack towards
and give them 5 balls. The other
the opposite goal.
team will defend; position them
behind each goal. However if the defence win the
ball and score, their goal is worth
Before each ‘turn’ the attackers
double the points for that turn.
decide how many players to use.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 23

 MODIFICATIONS
Ensure that every player on the
attacking team gets involved in
one of their turns.
You can give each team more
turns if necessary but make sure
that you play a full round (i.e.
both teams have attacked) before IF TEAM SCORES, TURN
introducing rule changes. CONTINUES WITH ATTACK
The points system can be altered TOWARDS OTHER END
to encourage more 1v1s or more
co-operative attacks depending PROGRESSIONS
on your priority for the session.
Allow the defending team to earn
You can also experiment with a single point by passing the ball
different starting positions for the to a player on the sideline - this
attackers and for the defenders. is like finding a man in space to
relieve pressure in a game.
Grant the attacking team
throw-ins and corners (using
an additional player from the
sidelines if necessary) so that the
defence cannot just boot the ball
out of play.
Increase the options on the
ALLOW DEFENCE TO EARN scoreboard. For example, add
POINT FOR FINDING A 2v2 for 5 points per goal or 4v4
TEAMMATE ON SIDELINE for 6 points per goal.

24 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 CREATING SPACE
THE NEXT STEPS
Creating Space is a hugely broad Obviously these tactical aspects
category, providing plenty of build upon strong passing,
scope for a series of related control and dribbling technique.
sessions. These core skills should never be
You might go on to look at Give- far from your coaching schedule.
and-Go variations, discuss overlap
runs or examine how third-man
running can create space.

FURTHER READING
How To Score From Every One-
on-One
http://www.betterfootball.
co.uk/2009/10/score-from-every-one-
on-one/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 25

 COUNTER-ATTACKING
A OVERLAP RUNS
Overlap runs can destroy a strong
defensive position and open up a
lot of space in a counter-attack.
Defenders want to block the
direct route to goal. This is always
inside the attacker.
A supporting player’s run on the
outside affects the defender’s
B decision-making. [A]
Either they will have to leave the
runner - allowing a pass into the
space behind them. [B]
Or they will cover the run -
opening up space on the inside
for a dribble or shot. [C]
KEY POINTS
C Overlapping players should wait
until the ball-carrier is turned and
is facing the opponent’s goal.
They mustn’t run to a position
where a pass is no longer possible,
whether this is hidden behind a
defender or offside.

OVERLAPS CREATE SPACE

26 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 NON-STOP STARTING NON-STOP

All-Time Attacker

INITIAL SET-UP
Set-up a small pitch with
a goal and goalkeeper at
either end. Position flags
or tall cones on each
sideline to indicate the
halfway line.
Position an all-time
attacker in each half and
then split the remaining
players into three teams
of 2 and give each team All-Time Attacker
bibs.
GAME RULES However, if the attackers lose the
One team starts with the ball. The ball (or kick it out of play), the
other two teams defend one of defenders attack the opposite
the goals. goal - combining with the all-
time attacker at that end.
The attacking team combine with
the all-time attacker in one half to The team who lost possession
score in the goal at that end (3v2). stay and defend that side until
they win the ball again.
If they score, the ‘keeper throws
them the ball and that team The team that scores always keep
attack (with the other all-time the ball and attack alternate ends
attacker) the opposite goal. in a succession of 3v2 attacks.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 27

 MODIFICATIONS
If you don’t have 10 players you
can either set-up several smaller
pitches and play 2v1 in each half,
or you can accomodate more
players by having two all-time
attackers in one or both halves.
If you notice that a particular
team are struggling you can give
them an extra player (so they play
4v2 attack and 3v3 defence).
IF THE ATTACK SUCCEEDS
You can also swap the goal and
GK for a smaller goal or add
additional pod goals so that PROGRESSIONS
players don’t have to beat a This game will continue to flow
goalie. even as you add more players.
You can increase the number of
decisions that players must make
by playing 4v3 or 5v4.
You can also make the game more
difficult for the attacking team
by adding all-time defenders -
creating a more match-realistic
3v3 or 4v4 situation.
You can keep the game moving
by incorporating throw-ins and
corners into the attack, forcing
defenders to play the ball out of
IF THE ATTACK FAILS attack to relieve the pressure.

28 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 COUNTER-ATTACKING
THE NEXT STEPS
We should gradually progress
our players from 1v1 attacking
situations to 2v2, 3v3 and then
4v4 situations. It’s our job to
help our players transition these
attacking principles to full-size
games.
Eventually our players should be
able to break with confidence,
understanding when to dribble
and when (and where) to pass.

FURTHER READING
3v1, 3v2 & 3v3 Attack: Key Points
http://w w w.better football.co.uk/
category/03-soccer-tactics/33-soccer-
3v1-3v2-3v3-attack/

How Small-Sided Games Mean

More Goals
http://www.betterfootballcoaching.
co.uk/Article-372-248-Attack-How-
Small-Sided-Games-Mean-More-Goals

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 29

 FINISHING
A SCORING A 1 vs GK
Get the ball into the penalty
area as quickly as possible to
give yourself the best chance of
hitting the target.
Look at the goalkeeper’s position
B and decide whether you can put
the ball over or around them with
an early shot. [A]
If not, move the ball slightly to
one side of the goal. This will
move the ‘keeper towards their
near post and open up an angle
for a far post shot. [B]
As soon as you have enough
space, pass the ball into the far
bottom corner - keeping it away
C from the keeper’s reach. [C]
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
If the ‘keeper rushes out to close
the shot down be prepared to
take the ball around them using
feint moves and the outside cut.
Don’t be averse to powering
the ball in at the near post if the
goalkeeper leaves it open.

30 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS
INITIAL SET-UP
Mark out a large square field.
Position a full-size goal in the
middle of each sideline. If goals
aren’t available you can use poles
or large cones instead. Place a few
footballs alongside each goal.
Nominate four goalkeepers and
split the remaining players into
two teams. HUNGRY HIPPOS SET-UP
These two teams play against
each other within the square. GAME RULES
Any player can score for their
team in any of the four goals.
After a team scores, the ‘keeper
on that side rolls another ball to
the scoring team. They continue
the game but must score in a
different goal.
If a shot is caught or the ball goes
out of play, then the GK on that
side gives the ball to the other
RESTARTING THE GAME team and they play on.
Play to a set number of goals
and then rotate the goalkeeping
players.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 31

 MODIFICATIONS
To assist players who are finding
the practice difficult, you can
overload one side (e.g. play 5v3)
or replace a goalkeeper from one
of the goals with targets in the
corners.
You can ask players to score with
different techniques, different
parts of the foot, on the volley or POSITION CONES IN
with headers. GOAL TO TEST ACCURACY
Rather than restricting them to
these moves, offer double points PROGRESSIONS
or another incentive to try them To increase the challenge for
out – if a ball can be tapped in for more capable players you might
a goal it should still be tapped in restrict the goals that they can
for a goal! score in:
Allow only two opposite sides to
emphasize turning and shooting.
Or allow only two adjacent goals
to mimic the directional play of a
match.

CHALLENGE
BETTER PLAYERS TO
SCORE HEADERS

32 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 FINISHING
THE NEXT STEPS You might use further sessions
Through this game players will to talk about following up shots /
learn the importance of taking on looking for rebounds, playing into
opportunities early. space early and switching play,
overloading and 2v1 attacking
Each player will have plenty of
principles or even 1v1 defending
chances to finish from different
and shot blocking.
angles and distances.

FURTHER READING
Finishing Technique: Low Driven
Shots
http://www.better football.
co.uk/2009/06/finishing-low-driven-
shot/

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 33

 PRESSING
A
TACTICAL POINT
We want our players to play
free-flowing attacking football -
that’s the whole premise of this
book - but the proficiency of this
approach depends entirely on
having possession of the ball.
“Pressing” means aggressively
closing down the opposition’s
ball-carrier, either winning the
ball directly or forcing a rushed
INTENSE PRESSURE CAUSES and errant touch. [A]
A PANICKED PASS AWAY...
KEY POINTS
The two seconds after losing the
B ball is often the easiest time to
win it back.
Defending starts from the
front - closing the space in the
opponent’s defensive third
encourages long passes into our
half where we have numerical
advantages.
If we win possession in our
opponent’s half we have less
distance to travel before we create
...THE BALL IS INTERCEPTED a goal-scoring opportunity. [B]
IN A POSITION TO SCORE

34 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 A GAME OF TWO HALVES

A GAME OF TWO HALVES

INITIAL SET-UP GAME RULES

Mark out a normal pitch with a Play a normal game including
single goal at each end. kicking off from the halfway line.
Use flags on the touchlines and However if a team scores after
markers across the pitch to make winning possession in their
the half-way line clearly visible. opponent’s half that goal is worth
Split group into teams of 4+GKs double.
- use multiple pitches if you have This encourages the attacking
enough players for simultaneous team to work the ball forward
games. quickly and accurately, and the
defending team to press.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 35

 MODIFICATIONS
You can also modify this game
to develop player’s quick
passing and movement - making
them more comfortable under
pressure.
Add a new rule so that once a
team scores they cannot shoot
again until their opponents score.
Players will be forced to keep
the ball in play and to use all the AT 1-0, TEAM KEEPS BALL
space on the pitch.
PROGRESSIONS
You can further increase the
difficulty by stipulating that every
player must touch the ball in
their own half before their team
can break out and attack their
opponent’s goal.
You can increase the defending
team’s challenge by adding an
all-time attacker or the attacker’s
challenge by adding an all-time
defender.
You can also include elements
DEVELOP ABILITY TO
of positional play by restricting a
PASS IN TIGHT AREAS
player from each team to either
their opponent’s or their own
defensive half.

36 www.betterfootball.co.uk
 PRESSING
THE NEXT STEPS FURTHER READING
Players have to be really fit to Defending: Key Points
keep the tempo high for an entire h t t p : / / w w w . b e t t e r f o o t b a l l .
game. co.uk/2009/07/1v1- defending-
defending-the-goal/
Research some exercises and
training programmes that they
can do in between football
sessions.

free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 37

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free SSGs and soccer coaching advice 39

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