SSG: Attacking From Wide Areas

This practice is designed to provide players with opportunities to attack and defend scenarios from wide areas.

About the Video

In the video below, Dan will talk you through the structure of the practice, various outcomes and how you can adapt it for your players.

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Practice Overview

Interpreting the Diagrams

The key below outlines what the images mean on the diagrams.

If you have questions about the practices, contact the PDP Team or share your views on the Player Development Project Coaching Community.

Key For Diagrams

Diagrams

Objectives

This practice is designed to provide players with opportunities to attack and defend scenarios from wide areas. Play a small sided game where 3 points are rewarded for goals scored from wide areas. Wide players (wingers / full-backs) get an opportunity to practice their crossing skills and central players get an opportunity to practice their finishing and defending skills. Wide players can be rewarded with 3 points for goals scored from their cross (encouraging high quality crossing).

Organisation

Set up a small sided game with two goals and a halfway line. Two floaters (red) are positioned in wide playing channels which they are restricted to playing within to begin with, and they play for the team in possession. Be mindful that this game can be physically demanding if you make the pitch too big so adapt accordingly. Ensure a good supply of footballs in each goal. Rotate players as necessary, younger teams may rotate all positions, whereas older teams may stick with their usual playing positions.

Observations & Interventions

What you might see

• Players fatiguing due to the high physical demand of the game
• Wingers slowing the game down and missing the opportunity to cross to space

Actions you might take

• Break the activity into short bouts with plenty of rest instead of traditional halves.
• Restrict wingers to 2-3 touches

Adaptations:

Is the session too easy?

• Play with an underload
• Increase the duration of the playing bouts (increased physical demand)

Is the session too hard?

• Play with an overload
• Allow wingers more touches
• Reduce the number of players allowed to defend

Interested in learning more about physical preparation?

Sign up to our Physical Performance Through Soccer online course here