5v5, Small Goals

Area: 40y x 25y with small goals in each corner. Size of the field depends on the goal of the activity, age group and/or skill level.  Both teams play in a 2-1-2 formation and can score on two small goals. When the ball is out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass. 

Variation: Play on wide, but short field. Width 40 yards, length 25 yards. 

Game: Keep track of the score.

Focus Points:

Technical

• Passing and receiving skills.
• Opening Up .
• Dribbling skills.
• 1v1 skills, attacking and defending. 

Attacking - Own Team in Ball Possession

Goal: Build up, create scoring chances and score goals. 

• Make the field large and create space in depth and width. 
• Look to play the ball deep; go forward.
• Keep ball possession.
• Maintain a good team shape / formation.

Defending - Opponent in Ball Possession

Goal: Disrupt the buildup, win the ball back, avoid goals against.

• The whole team makes the field small by moving towards the ball (High Pressure), form a block around the halfway line (medium pressure), or drops towards their own goal (Low Pressure). Shift and slide towards the sideline. 
• Pressure the player on the ball.
• Mark tight in the area of the ball.
• Positional or zonal marking further away from the ball. 
• Stay active as long as possible. Back pressure) 

Transition Attacking to Defending:

• Win ball back as quickly as possible - 5 Second Rule.
• Protect your own goal quickly.
• Be organized defensively while attacking. 

Transition Defending to Attacking:  

• Quick goal-oriented action. Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible -10 Second Rule. 
• Explode and connect the first pass after winning the ball. Reaction.
• While the other team is in ball possession, certain players should anticipate the possibility of a turnover and to ATTACK.