This is an exercise designed primarily for young players who are graduating from perhaps seven-a-side soccer to the full 11 v 11 game. Having been encouraged not to play in a fixed position in the small-sided context, the players are given a ‘feel?of all positions as they rotate in this format. It is of course a suitable game for senior players as it is an adaptation of “shadow play? which enables the coach to pattern certain playing movements.

The players are positioned on the field in a 4-4-2 shape, with additional players positioned midway in their own half on the outside of the field on either side with a supply of balls.

Three quarters of the field is used. The game starts with a throw-in at the right back position. The ball is played quickly across the back four to the left back position and then to one of the two central midfield players. The midfielder then executes a pre-planned, or spontaneous movement to the front or wide players. The team moves towards the opposing goal in an unopposed manner to finish with a shot.

The two strikers then retrieve the ball and return to a fullback position on either side of the field.

Meanwhile, the rotation is as follows: full back to center back, center back to center midfield, central midfield to wide midfield, wide midfield to striker, striker to fielder, fielder to full back. The entire team rotates in pairs and the shadow practice re-starts, this time from the opposite full back.

Progression Later, two defenders, then a back four can be added to make the practices more realistic. Waves of attack are then produced against opposing defenders, with the coach detailing the moves which he wishes to have executed.

Wingers Game

Mark a half-field as shown in the diagram below. Position four wide players in the channels, two playing in the attacking half for each side. In the central playing area there are three defenders and two attackers in each half. The objective is to play the ball from the back, where three defenders should have comfortable possession against two attackers, to a striker who plays a pass wide to the unmarked winger. The cross is delivered to the two strikers who, at the discretion of the coach, can be supported by one player ‘breaking?from the back zone as well as the opposite winger who, at this point, can come into the central area.

Whenever a goal is scored, or when the move breaks down, the players or even the goalkeeper, play the ball wide to the unchallenged winger without it first going to one of the front two players. This makes the exercise easier for less accomplished players.

Much coaching of all aspects of group play is possible, but particular emphasis should be placed on the type of crosses and the movement of the front two.