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Uses of Small-Sided Games in Training (Part 4 of 4)
From the July 21, 2004, issue of The Technical Area
by Vince Ganzberg
NSCAA Regional Technical Director

This is the final session 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 concentrated on 6v6 games, and the series will wraps up with training suggestions for 8v8 games.

8v8 Training Games
Restraining Zones-Thirds
Field is divided into thirds. In each third players are dispersed into groups. Example: In defending third one team has 3 players, in middle third, one team has 2 players, in attacking third, one team has 2 players. Players are restricted to their zones unless they pass the ball into the next zone, dribble across untracked, etc.

Restraining Zones-Halves 
Field is divided into half. In each half, players are dispersed into groups. Example: 4 players in defending half, 3 players in attacking half. Allow players to join in the other half. One at a time, two at a time, etc. Play for possession, to a line, to goals on sides, to small goals, to large goals with goalkeepers.

5v5 with Bumpers 
Two teams of 5 are inside a playing area. Each team has two players either by their own goal or on each sideline. The two players are “Bumpers” and have one touch to play the ball back to their teammates. Variation: If bumpers are on sides, allow them to dribble in and the player who played the ball to them goes to the sideline and becomes a new bumper

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