Coaches Corner Written by Henry Kay
Welcome to the February edition of Coaches Corner, I hope you have had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and that the weather hasn’t called o? too many of your matches. With 4 session ideas for your teams, or to add something di?erent to your training and give your team a kickstart into the New Year. Small sided games (SSG’s) have always been a favourite of mine, the sheer number of di?erent games and outcomes that can be covered and achieved during a single session can allow your players to develop a vast amount of attributes whilst playing football. The games are generally played between teams of 3v3 or 6v6, usually without goalkeepers, however if you look at the way the game is evolving, goalkeepers are now having to become technically capable as they are being used more often to begin plays and carry on maintaining possession of the ball. SSG’s are a great opportunity for players to develop their game in a competitive pressure situation, they allow each player in your team to get involved in the game more often and have more touches of the ball. During SSG’s players are encouraged to be on the ball as much as possible, allowing for many repetitions of technical situations such as passing, dribbling at speed and turning. As the playing areas are small, player’s movements enable the game to be played at a high tempo meaning that their speed of movement, changes of speed, strength and stamina are going to be crucial for success and development. SSG’s also allow players to experience the tactical aspects of the game, implementing the principles of attack and defence in clear scenarios, which can be translated easily into a real game situation as the players grow and develop. For example, the game creates attacking and defensive 1v1s and 2v2s all the time meaning players have to develop o? the ball movements, rotation of positions, and patient build up play and also when to attack with speed. With many 1v1s being created, defensively players have to learn to take responsibility for the man they are marking, body position when defending and timing of a tackle, also small sided games can greatly increase the players anticipation as they are close to the ball frequently and are always involved. The games make players talk to each other, asking for a pass, directing players who to mark, but most of all they make training fun, constantly attacking and defending, getting on the ball, being allowed to be creative and clever with passes and dribbles, there are so many SSG’s that can be done you could simply do them for your whole session and work on all four corners of the FA’s Four Corner model in each session whilst focussing on one aspect like passing or shooting. So why small sided games? • They allow player to be on the ball and develop technical skills. • Players are constantly making decisions in a competitive, fun environment • Players become more e?cient in smaller playing areas • More involved playing time • Frequently attacking and defending • More chances for everyone to score • Great fun! Coaching Techniques Try not to over coach, allow the players to ?nd their own way to success, give them the general rules of the game that match your desired out comes and let them play. Try and ask the players
“If the target is shut o?, how can we look to keep the ball?” If you feel that the areas
questions,
are too small to allow play to ?ow increase the area size or reduce numbers and make another area. All Sessions have been designed using the coaching template software from Academy Soccer Coach. If you have any questions about SSG’s or want any information on coaching times and holiday clubs call Henry on 07964909103 or email [email protected] Alternatively you can visit our new website at www.futurestarscoaching. com
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