4 v 4 with Servers: Finishing - Detailed
Session that places players in a ssg of small numbers so that they are all more involved more often, with the focus being on the attackers ability to create and score from scoring opportunities.
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| x Good supply | x 2 sets | x Good Supply | x 2 |
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X = 30 Yards Y = 20 Yards |
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None |
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4 v 4 small sided game, no set formations. The servers operate outside the pitch on each side. |
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Due to the size of the pitch and the numerical advantage of the attacking team, it is possible to get the ball into a shooting position very quickly. Therefore it is crucial that the attackers are 'switched on' once the session begins. They should seek to immediately create themselves some space, this can be done by threatening the back of the defender and exploding back in or by crossing over. When the ball is played in the attacker should get it under control as quickly as possible. Where possible they should receive the ball on the half turn, so that they can see as much of the pitch as possible (including team mates and defenders). The positioning of the defender determines how quickly they turn. If they can turn or spin they should do so. To complete this movement they should take the ball on their back foot. If the defender is too close to turn on their first touch they should take the ball with their front foot as this no longer invites a challenge and also places the body between the ball and defender, thus protecting the ball.
It is this first touch and movement that then determines what the other attackers should do. If the ball carrier can not turn then at least one of the attackers should support behind the ball to receive a pass. If turned then the attackers can move into a supporting position ahead of the ball and also look to drag the defenders (especially any supporting defenders) away, so that a 1 v 1 situation can be created and also be ready to get into the box and onto any second scoring opportunities that may arise. For the player in possession if a 1 v 1 situation is created they should look to be positive and attack the defender, they only need a small amount of space to shoot (and may even catch the goalkeeper unprepared if they shoot early).
Once any attacker is in possession of the ball around the penalty are they should ask themselves the following questions:
- Can I shoot? Yes, then
- Can I score or test the goalkeeper? Yes – Then Shoot.
- Can I shoot? No, can I move the ball so that I can? No - Pass.
- Can I move ball? No, then Can I give it to a team mate who can? Yes – Pass.
- Can I pass? No, then the team mates should be in better positions.
No player should ever pass up a shooting opportunity (unless a pass guarantees a goal) - if you don't buy a lottery ticket... you'll never win!!
The player in possession should look to shoot as early as the opportunity presents itself, this includes shooting through players, around players and over players, as this may lead to the goalkeepers being caught unprepared and unsighted, with the added bonus being a deflection that may beat the goalkeeper. When they do shoot, the shooting player should look to get their shots on target (so the focus should be on accuracy and not power) and they should also look to keep the ball low as that makes it harder for the goalkeeper to save. Another factor that can increase the chance of a second scoring opportunity, if saved, is to shoot across the goalkeeper into the far post region. This is because if the goalkeeper does save the ball they may deflect or parry it out into the paths of the oncoming attacker. Therefore, the team mates of those players shooting should also be aware of the possibility of a secondary scoring opportunities arising and look to gamble on that by following up the shot.
If the attacker finds that they are unable to shoot then they should look to pass to a player that can, or a player that can then pass it onto someone else who can. This player may be the other centre forward or it may be one of the oncoming centre midfielder's. Some interactions that can occur between players to create space for a shot can be:
Crossover: 2 players swap positions. The closer player to the ball moves towards their team mate (usually away from the ball). As they make this run their team mate moves into the area they just vacated to receive the ball. This movement can work well in the central of midfield or between the centre forwards.
Take: Can be used to wrong foot a defender and therefore move into the space around them. Player with ball moves towards player without and instructs them to take over possession. Call for a take should come from the ball carrier.
1-2’s: Quick interchanges can also be used to go around defenders and lines of defence, as some players may be drawn towards the ball, allowing someone to move into the space behind the defender.
Once again, NO player should pass up an opportunity and pass the responsibility to someone else, as a shooting opportunity may not arise again.