Small Sided Tournament
Small-Sided Games!? These are football games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field focusing on combination play, improving the players’ vision, reaction ability and cooperation.
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Basic Information
Age Group:(5-7yrs) (8-11yrs) (12-15yrs)
Number of Players: 12+
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Time: 20-25 min.
Emphasis: Dribbling, Attacking, Defending
Field Preparation:
- 4 teams
- 4 mini goals
- cones to mark off area
- 2 grids
- pinnies
Description:
- tournament style
- teams start playing 1v1
- every 45 seconds or if the ball goes out of bounce each team gets an additional player (2v2), (3v3), (4v4)
Variation:
- only the team that is scored on gets an additional player
- teams start playing 2v2
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary
Coaching Points:
Attacking:
- set up defender
- change of speed & direction
- protect the ball
- vision
- close control
- angle, distance and timing of support
- decision making
- verbal and visual communication
Defending:
- angle and speed of approach
- body shape, balance, and foot positioning
- control and restraint
- delay and channel
- deny turn
- timing and decision to tackle
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