Coaching Corner: Uses of Small-Sided Games in Training (Part 3 of 4)
By Vince Ganzberg, Regional Technical Director
  (from the NSCAA Coaching Newsletter - July 7th, 2004)

        This is part three in a four-part series that outlines the uses of small-sided games in training. Part 1 will focus on attacking and defending in 2v2 and 3v3 situations. Part 2 will deal with 4v4 training games, Part 3 with 6v6 games, and the series will wrap up with training suggestions for 8v8 games.
        Click here to access all four parts of this series:
Part 1 - June 10, 2004 NSCAA Newsletter
Part 2 - June 24, 2004 NSCAA Newsletter
Part 3 - July 7, 2004 NSCAA Newsletter
Part 4 - July 21, 2004 NSCAA Newsletter

6v6 Training Games

3v2 to 3v2
Two teams of five. Three players are in one half of the playing field and their two teammates are in the other half. They are restricted to their zones. Team of 3 attempts to play the ball into their two teammates in the other zone. After pass is completed, they may join in the other zone.

3v3 with Bumpers 
Two teams of five. Each team has three players inside playing area. Each team also places two players by their own goal. They are “bumpers” and have one touch whenever a ball is played to them. Game is played with our without goalkeepers. Variation is to make goals scored after a pass from a “bumper” worth more.

6v6 Games 
Two teams of five play against another team of five. Play is to goals, however, give restrictions to emphasis coaching focus of training session.
A) Score after a combination is worth 2 points
B) Can only score off a pass. Finish has to be one touch
C) Player can not pass the ball back to the person who gave them the ball
D) When a team scores, they must keep possession of the ball until other team scores or a certain amount of time
E) Play no offsides
F) Play offsides

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 07/21/04

Since February 24, 1999
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