Free practice Small Sided Games
Atalanta Hexagonal SSG
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Use quick support combinations to create space and chances in a small-sided game.
How it works
Teams play 3v3 centrally and can combine with two supporting bounce players each. The outside players provide quick return passes to help the central players break down the opposition. Use a hexagonal playing area, with each team’s bounce players on two sides in its attacking half.
• The central players compete for possession and look to develop an attack.
• The team on the ball uses its bounce players along the sides in the attacking half.
• Bounce players must play with one touch and return the ball to a central player.
• Central players move to support the return pass and exploit any space created by the combination.
• Use these combinations to create goalscoring opportunities while the opposing team tries to regain possession.
Use quick support combinations to create space and chances in a small-sided game.
How it works
Teams play 3v3 centrally and can combine with two supporting bounce players each. The outside players provide quick return passes to help the central players break down the opposition. Use a hexagonal playing area, with each team’s bounce players on two sides in its attacking half.
• The central players compete for possession and look to develop an attack.
• The team on the ball uses its bounce players along the sides in the attacking half.
• Bounce players must play with one touch and return the ball to a central player.
• Central players move to support the return pass and exploit any space created by the combination.
• Use these combinations to create goalscoring opportunities while the opposing team tries to regain possession.
Coaching points
• Quick Combinations – Emphasize the importance of using the bounce players for quick attacking combinations. The central players should focus on playing one- or two-touch passes to maintain the rhythm of the attack and exploit spaces in the defensive structure.
• Movement off the Ball – Encourage players to move quickly off the ball to create passing angles and give their teammates options. This movement will enable them to receive passes in stride and make decisions faster, increasing the effectiveness of the attack.
• Exploiting Space – The bounce players are critical in creating space for the central attackers. Encourage the players to recognize when and where they can move to pull defenders out of position, allowing their team to progress the ball and open up chances for a goal.
• Defensive Awareness – Defenders should remain aware of the space behind them and be quick to track runs from the central attackers and bounce players. They must work together to close down space and prevent the attacking team from exploiting open areas.
• Movement off the Ball – Encourage players to move quickly off the ball to create passing angles and give their teammates options. This movement will enable them to receive passes in stride and make decisions faster, increasing the effectiveness of the attack.
• Exploiting Space – The bounce players are critical in creating space for the central attackers. Encourage the players to recognize when and where they can move to pull defenders out of position, allowing their team to progress the ball and open up chances for a goal.
• Defensive Awareness – Defenders should remain aware of the space behind them and be quick to track runs from the central attackers and bounce players. They must work together to close down space and prevent the attacking team from exploiting open areas.
Progression 1
Limit Touches for Central Players
Limit the central 3v3 players to two touches. Keep the existing one-touch rule for the outside bounce players.
Focus: Increases the speed of central combinations and movement to receive the return pass.
Limit the central 3v3 players to two touches. Keep the existing one-touch rule for the outside bounce players.
Focus: Increases the speed of central combinations and movement to receive the return pass.
Progression 2
Add a Defender on the Bounce Player
Introduce a defender to pressure one of the bounce players. This adds an element of defensive pressure to the practice, forcing the attacking team to work harder to maintain possession and create space.
Focus:
Enhances attacking decision-making and ability to play under pressure.
Introduce a defender to pressure one of the bounce players. This adds an element of defensive pressure to the practice, forcing the attacking team to work harder to maintain possession and create space.
Focus:
Enhances attacking decision-making and ability to play under pressure.
