This is Part 3 in a four-part series that outlines the uses of small-sided games in training. Part 1 focused on attacking and defending in 2v2 and 3v3 situations, while Part 2 dealt with 4v4 training games.  Part 3 will deal with 6v6 games, and the series will wrap up with training suggestions for 8v8 games.

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