Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Small Sided Game - Defending Wide Areas

Defending Wide Areas (SSG) (30 mins)

Session Title: Defending Wide Areas

Objective:

• To improve defensive organization and teamwork in wide areas.
• Encourage attackers to exploit wide spaces and defenders to block crosses or force attackers inside.
• Goalkeepers to practice positioning and saving crosses/shots.

• • Field Dimensions: Use a pitch approximately 40x30 meters with two mini-goals or standard goals at each end.
  • Zones: Divide the pitch into three vertical zones (Left Wide Area, Central Area, Right Wide Area). The wide zones should be about 7 meters wide.
  • Players:
    • 5v5 or 6v6 including goalkeepers (adjust based on group size).
    • Defenders start in pairs or small units, with a focus on positioning in the wide areas.
  • Equipment:
    • Cones to mark the zones.
    • Bibs to distinguish teams.
    • Multiple balls for quick restarts.

Organisation:

• Starting Play: The attacking team starts with the ball in one wide area. Defenders must organize to block the wide space, prevent a cross, or force attackers to play centrally.
• Scoring:
  • Attackers score by delivering a successful cross into the central zone for a teammate to finish or by cutting inside and scoring directly.
  • Defenders score a point for successfully intercepting crosses or forcing attackers to lose possession.
• Conditions:

  Double Points for Crosses From Wide Areas: If the attacking team scores from a cross delivered from the wide zone, they earn 2 points instead of 1.This motivates attackers to exploit wide areas, forcing defenders to prioritize blocking crosses.

• • At least one attacker and one defender must stay in both wide areas.
  • Goalkeepers can only use their hands to save crosses or shots inside their box.

  • Time-Limited Wide Play:

  • • Attackers have 8 seconds to deliver a cross or create a scoring opportunity after entering the wide area. If they fail, possession changes, and the defending team earns 1 point.

• Progressions:
  • Restrict attackers to a time limit to cross or shoot once in the wide zone.

Coaching Points:

• • Defensive Unit:
    • Stay compact and communicate to cover each other.
    • Force attackers towards the touchline or weaker foot.
  • Attacking Unit:
    • Use overlapping runs or quick 1-2s to beat defenders.
    • Deliver accurate crosses or exploit gaps centrally.
  • Goalkeepers:
    • Position effectively to deal with crosses.
    • Command the defensive unit by organizing players.