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Small-Sided Games for the Attack By Hylton Dayes, NSCAA National Academy Staff
This article originally appeared in the April 24, 2002, edition of The Technical Area, NSCAA's biweekly Email newsletter. Click here to sign up for The Technical Area.

Activity One: Changing the Point of the Attack
Organization (see Diagram 1)

• 4v4 / 5v5 on field size appropriate to age and # of players
• Four two- yard (width) goals
• Each team defends two goals and attacks two goals
• Teams score by playing ball through cones on the ground

Coaching Points:
• Recognize when to change point of attack
• Use combinations to assist in switching play
• Accurate passing and support by players

Activity Two: Cone Game
Organization (see Diagram 2)
• 4v4 on 30x20-yard field
• Four cones are placed on each end line four yards apart
• To score, a team must knock over the cones on the opposing team’s end line with the ball. Cones are then set back up.
• No corner kicks; use "kick-ins" instead of throw ins

Coaching Points:
• Accurate passing/shooting technique
• Recognize when to shoot and when to pass

Activity Three: Six – Goal Game
Organization (see Diagram 3):
• 5v5 on a small field (only two players shown in diagram) – size appropriate for age and skill level
• Six Two-yard (width) goals are set up inside the field of play
• Teams score at any goal by passing on the ground through the goal to a teammate
• You cannot score through the same goal consecutively
• Touch restrictions can be used to increase speed of play and encourage passing

Coaching Points:
• Quick transition when you win the ball
• Accurate passing through goals
• Movement off the ball

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