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How Small-Sided Games Mean More Goals

One of the advantages of playing small-sided games is that you can change the dimensions of the pitch to deal with problems you get on match days, says David Clarke.

Turning defence into attack

If you have a problem where your team is not taking advantage when they win the ball to turn defence into attack you can use this exercise to sort it out. Using a long narrow layout with small goals funnels the players into fast direct attack through the middle of the pitch. Attacking small goals needs swift passing to break the defenders down and create opportunities to score. If your team can do it in practice watch them go in matches.

Don’t stick to the rules

Forget off-sides - leave that to another practice - they get in the way of what you are trying to teach. Throw-ins, corners all get in the way. Have helpers placed around the pitch to keep the game going by throwing balls in when one goes out. It makes for a fast training session and one the players will think is great fun while it enlarges their brains.

Take advantage of turnovers quickly, to create fast passing football using 4v4 in your training sessions. Use a long narrow field, 55m x 11m, with a small goal at each end. No goalkeepers. Restarts are a dribble or pass from in front of the player’s own goal. If teams cannot bring the ball out initially, have one of the defenders start out in a poor position, which creates a 4v3 for a short period, or start the play 10 yards out from goal.