Creating and converting

1. Divide players into four teams of two-three players, with a small goal in each corner

2. All teams play against each other

3. Teams aim to score in any goal available 
   
   

Practice 1

WHY USE IT

This first practice encourages players to combine quickly and create goalscoring opportunities in a relevant area of the field. There should be plenty of shooting opportunities.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Ideally, use the penalty box plus another 18 yards (so equivalent to two penalty boxes). 

Place a full-size goal at each end. Create two equal teams and use two or three neutral players.

HOW TO play

Teams use the neutral players when in possession to create an attacking overload. 

The aim is to create chances and score goals. If a team scores, play resumes from their own goalkeeper, so they maintain possession.

ADAPTATIONS & progressions

You can limit players to a certain number of touches or change the size and/or shape of the area to alter the challenge.

COACHING POINTS

Mindset: Can I score or assist? Pitch geography should allow for both; Confidence
Technique: Power and laces; Body placement – wrap around the ball; Ball distance from standing foot and striking foot
Positioning: Movement away from defender, with and without the ball
Receiving: On back foot or facing goal for shot on sight

1. Divide players into two equal teams, plus two-three neutral players

2. The in-possession team can use the neutral players to create an attacking overload

3. A team that scores retains possession, starting with their goalkeeper 
   
   

Practice 2

WHY USE IT

This second practice encourages players to combine quickly and create goalscoring opportunities in a relevant area of the pitch. 

There should be plenty of shooting opportunities, but now the option to play wide as well as centrally is incorporated.

Set-up

Use the same area as in practice 1 but with wide areas included. Place a full-size goal at each end.

 
Divide players into two equal teams – formation can vary based on a team’s playing style. If numbers allow, you can have one neutral player to support the in-possession team.

HOW TO play

Players are free to move anywhere. Teams look to create chances and score goals, either playing centrally or by ensuring players get into wide areas to support the play and create space. If a team scores, play resumes from their own goalkeeper, so they maintain possession.

ADAPTATIONS & progressions

You can limit players to a certain number of touches or change the size and/or shape of the area to alter the challenge.

COACHING POINTS

• Attacking team to create space on a wider pitch: height, width, depth
• In wide areas, the mindset is: ’Can I assist?’. In central areas, it remains shoot, score or assist
• Movement to receive inside the posts for easier goals when receiving the cross
• Less overbalance so decisions are tougher: can we scan before, during and as we receive the ball?

1. Divide players into two equal teams

2.  The in-possession team must aim to occupy the wide channels as soon as they win possession

3.  Teams can build the play centrally or by using the wide channels. Coaches can alter the scoring system to encourage a particular style of play