Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B session plan 1 of 16 (SSG)

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FAW UEFA B Small-Sided Game Session Plan

Topic: Defending Against Overloads

Objective

Develop the players' ability to defend effectively against overload situations, focusing on maintaining compactness, communication, and decision-making.

Organization

• Area: 40x30 meters
• Players: 13 players (7  attackers vs. 6 defenders.)
• Equipment:
  • Cones to mark the pitch
  • Bibs to distinguish teams
  • Balls
  • Two goal

Structure of the Small-Sided Game

Duration: 15 minutes

• Setu

  • Attacking team attempts to score by breaking through the defensive line and shooting into the goal.

• Rules:

  • Attacking team earns 1 point for scoring.
  • Defending team earns 2 points if they regain possession and pass into designated target zones or counter quickly.
  • Defenders must stay compact, preventing attackers from exploiting space.

• Key Focus Areas for Defenders:

  • Stay compact to limit gaps.
  • Delay attackers and force play wide.
  • Work as a unit: communication and covering each other.

Activity 2: Conditioned Game (Neutral Player Overload)

Duration: 20 minutes

• Setup:

  • Same area and teams.
  • Neutral player joins the team in possession, creating an additional overload.

• Rules:

  • Attacking team has a advantage when in possession.
  • Defending team earns 2 points for regaining possession and transitioning.
  • Encourage quick ball movement from the attackers to stretch the defense.

• Coaching Points:

  • Shape and Compactness: Stay narrow and force play to less dangerous areas.
  • Communication: Constant communication between defenders to identify threats.
  • Decision-Making: Recognize when to press or drop to delay.

Activity 3: Free Play with Overload Focus

Duration: 20 minutes

• Setup:

  • Full pitch area with equal-sided teams (e.g., 6v6).
  • One floater acts as a neutral player to create an overload for the attacking team.

• Rules:

  • Normal match conditions, but the attacking team uses the floater to create overloads.
  • Double points for the defending team if they score on the counter.

• Coaching Interventions:

  • Provide feedback during natural breaks (e.g., when the ball is out of play).
  • Highlight moments where the defensive unit was compact and worked effectively.
  • Encourage communication and positional awareness.

Reflection Points

• Key Questions for the Group:
  • How did we stay compact to limit the attackers’ options?
  • What could we improve in our communication and movement as a defensive unit?
  • How effective were we at transitioning to attack after regaining possession?