This is one of my favourite games to play with a team. It can be done over a short period of time or alternatively be almost an entire session on its own. Players will always hate to play a “possession only” game but bringing just a small element of competition into the possession game really changes the dynamic.

One of the areas that occur is teaching players how to utilise as much space as possible whilst in possession.

Spreading Out or Opening Out Game:

Organisation:

• Mark out a field approximately 30m (w) x 20m (d) – change depending on the talent and ability of your players
• In the corners put a small 2m coned area — best to use disks so the cones don’t interfere with the players or the ball
• 2 teams of 6 players (this number could be 5 v 5 or even a 7 v 5 to get a lot more success) make sure both teams are in different coloured bibs

Rules:

1. Normal football rules apply and the objective is to pass to one of your players who is standing in the coned area.
2. To score a goal a team must play into one coned area and then pass the ball to another coned area. They then continue to pass the ball scoring goals.
3. First team to 10 win the game. Sometimes the score can be 10 nil if the team in possession is very good at moving the ball and can provide strong link play through the middle of the grid.

Progressions:

1. Can only receive the ball in the cone area if you run into the area as the ball is travelling — not allowed to just stand there
2. Must be at least 2 passes in the middle of the area before the ball can be played into cone area
3. A goal is only scored if the ball is received and played through all four cone areas.
4. Combine all 3 progressions above and restrict the players to 2-touch or even 1-touch unless they receive in a cone area.

Coaching Points:

1. Individuals
   1. Scan prior to receiving the ball to make a decision for your next touch
   2. Open up your body, receive on the back foot and take your touch in the direction you want to go — use disguise if under pressure
   3. Play what you see and the way your body shape is facing
   4. Passes need to be crisp, accurate and played to the right side to continue the movement.
   5. Can you play 2-touch or preferably 1-touch to score goals
2. Group
   1. As the ball is travelling to an individual can you move to support the player without moving into the wider pass channels to the cone areas if they are already occupied
      1. Eye Contact
      2. Timing of the run depending on ball speed, first touch, opposition players
   2. Can you provide 3rd man runs to exploit the movement of the ball, your players.
   3. Do not drag opposition defenders into shape make sure your movement is designed to be “against the grain”

You will find many opportunities to coach within this game as there are so many aspects to it. This is an intense game due to the area and the number of players. Continue to give players rests or breaks during this.

For periodised work this is a great small sided game to increase the fitness of your players. For that work I would suggest you play a 3 min game with a 1 min rest and do that 3 times for a core 12 minute periodised session.