Small-sided game: Attacking and defending transitions

Why use it

Develop awareness, speed and technical detail in both attacking and defending transitions.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Place a goal at each end and divide players into two equal teams (ideally 7v7 with no goalkeepers). Mark out a scoring zone at each end.

How to play

Play a normal small-sided game but goals can only be scored inside the scoring zones. If a goal is scored when a team has started from their own third (without losing possession), the goal counts for double. Kick-ins replace throw-ins.

Progressions/adaptations

You can look to limit the touches players can have, which encourages quick play and transitions. You can also add that if a goal is scored within 5 seconds of regaining possession, it counts double.

Coaching points

• Mentality and reaction to recover when losing possession
• Delay attack (first defender) until team-mates are able to support
• Body position (side on) and footwork (small quick steps) when defending
• Force attacker into dribbling and take away shooting option (allowing second defender time to recover)
• In attacking transitions, look to take advantage of overloads quickly and look to get support ahead of the ball