26 | 27 Players
After selecting the pitch type, I would consider the best way of organising the players:
Even-numbered teams can provide a variety of challenges particularly when the teams are placed into team shapes which create out-numbered circumstances in different parts of the pitch. For example 7 v 7 matched up GK-2-3-1 v GK-2-2-2 as shown on the previous page.
Out-numbered teams, as articulated by Joe Sargison in issue 9 of The Boot Room, can provide a ‘hostile environment’ for practice. For example 4v7 with the team of four defending the goal or 5 v 8 with the team of five attempting to keep possession from the eight. Sometimes odd numbers arriving for training can be an opportunity not a problem.
Additionally, if the goalkeepers are available for the full duration or part of the practice, it is important to consider what you want them to practise and how you are you going to build them into the session. For example, you may set up a 6 v 5 possession practice with the goalkeepers acting as additional support players. The team of 6 try to keep the ball and use the goalkeepers to do so allowing the goalkeepers to practice playing with their feet as they receive back-passes before having the opportunity to save counter attacking shots when the team of five regain possession.
5 Horizontal Thirds
An effective reference point to help the players play through the thirds, develop their movement ‘between the lines’ and to recognise when to join the attack. Out of possession horizontal thirds can act as a reference point when trying to win the ball back using early/ mid/late pressing techniques.
Vertical Thirds
Supportive of wide play, overlapping, crossing, switching play and defending wide areas as the pitch is marked or sectioned length ways
Halved pitch
Similar to a standard football pitch linking well to recognising different ways to play in your own half and the opponents' half both in and out of possession
Central circle
Probably my favourite pitch marking as it generates more of a 360 degree perspective of the game than horizontal or vertical thirds. Additionally, if coaches wish to restrict players to areas it still provides an opportunity for defenders to advance to the half-way line.
Halved pitch Parameters
Once the pitch size and number of players is decided, I use four methods of pitch markings to restrict areas or to set guidelines to support the practice theme:
Horizontal Thirds Vertical Thirds Using the parameters
The different parameters can be used to lock players into certain areas of the pitch. For example, if you are using horizontal thirds, the defenders and forwards may be restricted to their own third whilst midfielders are able to move freely. Likewise, in a session using vertical thirds the full backs and wide players may be locked into wide areas. Alternatively, the parameters may just act as guidelines for the demands you place on the practice, for example: use the central circle to set up attacks.
Central circle
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