One common trend is clear throughout the world today with regards to the modern game; players are needing to be quicker and more precise with their decisions when in possession. Small Sided Game Roulette provides three fast, fun and frantic small sided games that will prepare players for the demands of the modern game. Your players will love the fast pace, competitive and energetic style of games, which focus on many essential aspects of attacking.

Small Sided Game Roulette

1.

Setup:

Teams split into three teams of 5. Field set up in a 40 x 30 yard field as above. Depending on numbers, 4 neutral players start on the outside with one on the inside, with 5 yellow players and 5 green players inside the playing area.

Instructions:

Two balls are used for the entire group, focus on creating triangles around the ball, movements off the ball and playing a positive 1st touch.  Players on the outside come inside on their first touch (when passed to) and are replaced by the player passing outside.

Progression: when playing to the outside, another player (not the ball passer) must now replace the one on the outside.

Progression 2: a give and go with an outside player brings that player into the playing area.

Coaching Points:

• Play with high tempo and energy; speed and quality of movement off the ball
• Speed of play: move towards the ball, open body position, check shoulder, first touch move, firm pass to correct foot, different types of first touch, angle of pass/ support

2.

Setup:

Three balls needed for this game (one with the coach to be played on to the field at the start and if a ball is played out of bounds, and one ball placed at each end (1 out of the 2 neutral players on each end). Field set up in a 40 x 30 yard field as above. Depending on numbers, 5 neutral players (preferably GKs or center backs) start on the outside, with one on the inside. 5 yellow players and 5 green players start on the inside.

Instructions:

Coach plays a ball into the field of play. Each team in possession must keep the ball and play into the neutral player without a ball (awareness). Once this happens, a new ball is played in by the other neutral on the opposite side and the game continues. One point is won every time the ball is played from side to the opposite side.

Coaching Points:

• Speed of play: all elements of the warm up are key; the ability to move towards the ball to meet the ball, to receive with an open body position and with a positive first touch are all essential
• First look should be to eliminate opponents (pass or dribble)
• Early support and off the ball movement: be proactive about your movement to anticipate a pass played into one of the end players
• Pressing and screening: defensive players must press off potential cues, while also screening forward passes into the neutral players
• Awareness and understanding: think ahead and anticipate when a forward pass into a neutral player is about to be played

3.

Setup:

Field set up in a 40 x 30 yard field as above. Depending on numbers, 5 neutral players (GKs or CBs) with 4 starting on the outside (2 on either end) and 1 inside the playing area. 5 yellow players and 5 green players work inside the playing area. One ball on the field, with coach playing in every new ball.

Instructions:

Coach plays every new ball into the field. It is a six goal game with teams playing to one of the three goals (with a 1 touch finish). The team in possession can use any of the outfield players (white team) to keep possession.

Coaching Points:

• Speed of play: all elements of the warm up are key; the ability to move towards the ball to meet the ball, to receive with an open body position, with a positive first touch are all essential
• First look should be to eliminate opponents (pass or dribble)
• Early support and off the ball movement: be proactive about your movement to anticipate a pass played into one of the end players
• Pressing and screening: defensive players must press off potential cues, while also screening forward passes into the neutral players
• Awareness and understanding: think ahead and anticipate when a forward pass into a neutral player is about to be played

4.

Setup:

30 x 20 yard field with 2 big goals. 5 v 5 + 5 with 5 neutral players (four on the outside, 1 inside). 5 v 5 players in the playing area. Goalkeepers start with balls each time. 2 min quick-fire game, count number of goals for the winner.

Instructions:

Goalkeepers start with balls and play to their team. Team in possession attempt to score in the big goal, with outside neutral players who can come inside to create 2 v 1’s in the playing area. Once the play is over, the neutral player must return to the outside. High pressure is essential from the defensive team to ensure no easy shots on goal.

Progression: 2 touches allowed by all players.

Progression 2: Must beat a player 1 v 1 before scoring.

Coaching Points:

• Creating and exploiting 2 v 1’s: neutral players are encouraged to receive and drive inside towards a defender to create space for a 2 v 1 situation
• Speed of play: fast ball progression is essential to move the opposition and create space in attacking areas
• Creativity and improvisation: individual skill and improvisation should be encouraged throughout. Be your own genius!
• Ability to create openings for shots on goal are key: movement, body position, first touch and execution of passes are all essential to create goalscoring opportunities