Objective of the Drill:

This drill is designed to improve positional play, possession control, and team organization. It focuses on the importance of tactical discipline, using neutral players effectively, and maintaining structure while attacking and defending.

Pitch Setup:

• Shape: Rectangle-shaped playing area.
• Goals:
  • • 3 small goals on one side of the pitch, defended by one team.
    • 3 small goals on the opposite side, defended by the other team.

• Players Setup:

• • • 9v9 inside the rectangle, with 4 neutral players positioned within the play area.
    • Neutral players are playing for the team in possession and can be used to retain or progress the ball.
    • The teams are set up positionally, meaning players stick to their designated positions (e.g., defenders, midfielders, attackers).

• Equipment:

• • Cones to mark the pitch and small goals.
  • Bibs to differentiate between the two teams.
  • Balls for continuous play.

Drill Description:

Gameplay Basics:

Objective:

• Each team defends 3 small goals on their half of the pitch and attempts to score in the opponent’s 3 small goals.
• The game is positional, meaning players are assigned to specific positions (e.g., defenders, midfielders, attackers) and must stay within their assigned zones.
• The neutral players inside the playing area always play for the team in possession of the ball, providing additional passing options.
• Goal scoring: Goals can be scored on any of the three small goals, but possession must be maintained and the team needs to use the neutral players to help keep control of the ball.

Touch Limit Rules:

• Players inside the pitch (field players): Can use 3 touches on the ball to maintain quick play and avoid overly stagnant possession.
• Neutral players: Are allowed only 1 touch to facilitate rapid ball movement and create passing options.

Defensive and Offensive Focus:

• The defending team must prevent the attacking team from scoring by protecting the 3 small goals in their half. Defenders should stay compact, communicate, and position themselves well.
• The attacking team must use good positioning, quick passes, and effective use of the neutral players to break through the defense and score.

Continuous Play:

• The game runs continuously without stoppages, and the teams will need to transition from defense to attack and vice versa as quickly as possible.

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration: 3–5 sets of 8-10 minutes each, with 1-2 minutes of rest between sets.
• Intensity: High intensity with constant movement, both off the ball and in possession. Players must be aware of their position on the field and be ready to react to transitions quickly.

Coaching Points:

In Possession:

• Use of Neutral Players: Neutral players should be utilized to create extra passing lanes and provide space for teammates. They must make quick decisions to keep the ball moving.
• Positional Play: Encourage players to stick to their positions. For example, defenders should not push too high, and attackers should stay in the final third to create goal-scoring opportunities.
• Quick Passing: The game is designed to encourage fast, accurate passing. The 3-touch rule for field players promotes quick ball movement and decision-making.
• Movement off the Ball: Encourage players to constantly make runs into space to offer passing options, whether they are on the ball or not.

Off the Ball:

• Positional Awareness: Players need to be aware of their positioning and ensure they don’t leave gaps in defense. Defenders should communicate effectively and stay compact to prevent the opponent from exploiting spaces.
• Support the Ball Carrier: Players need to offer support to the ball carrier by positioning themselves in passing lanes, while also maintaining the team shape.
• Defensive Shape: Defenders must stay organized and use the 3 small goals as their primary focus. They should always have one player positioned near each of the small goals to prevent the opponent from scoring.

Defensive Play:

• Pressing and Tracking: When the opponent has possession, the defending team should press in a compact, organized manner. Defenders need to track runs, particularly in the attacking third.
• Communication: Defenders must communicate constantly to ensure proper positioning and marking. If a defender is drawn out of position, another player must be ready to cover.
• Counter-Pressing: As soon as possession is lost, players should be ready to immediately counter-press and win the ball back as quickly as possible

Key Points for Players:

1. Quick Decision-Making: Players need to make decisions quickly to move the ball around and exploit the space provided by neutral players.
2. Staying in Position: Players must understand their roles and stick to their positions, especially in defense. This will help maintain team shape and prevent gaps.
3. Use the Full Width of the Pitch: Use the entire area to stretch the opponent and create space. This is especially important in possession, where players can switch the ball quickly to shift the defense.
4. Effective Communication: Communication is vital in both attack and defense. Off-the-ball players must inform teammates where the space is, and defenders must coordinate to prevent goals.
5. Patience: Encourage patience in possession. Don’t force the ball or make risky passes. Instead, players should focus on maintaining control and waiting for the right moment to attack.

Variations:

1. Reduce Touch Limits: To increase the intensity, reduce the number of touches allowed for players, such as limiting field players to 2 touches.
2. Goal Scoring Limits: Allow teams to only score in the central or outer small goals for added challenge, depending on the attacking team’s strategy.
3. Add Additional Neutral Players: Increase the number of neutral players to further enhance attacking options for the team in possession.
4. Switch Roles: Rotate positions so that players take turns defending and attacking the small goals. This will help players understand both roles better and improve tactical awareness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Ignoring Positional Discipline: Players must stay in their assigned positions. Moving out of position disrupts the team’s balance and defensive shape.
2. Slow Passing: Slow or predictable passing can result in turnovers. Players should focus on quick and sharp passes.
3. Defensive Gaps: Leaving gaps between defenders allows the attacking team to exploit spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities.
4. Overcomplicating the Game: Players should not overcomplicate passing. The goal is to maintain possession with simple, quick passes.

Progression Tips:

1. Introduce Time Pressure: Set a time limit (e.g., 15 seconds) to complete a set number of passes or move into the attacking third to score, making the drill more game-realistic.
2. Limit Defensive Pressing: Restrict the defending team to only allow pressing in certain zones, such as only inside their own half or after the ball has passed a certain line.
3. Include Set Pieces: Add set-piece situations like corners or free kicks to increase variety and incorporate different tactical scenarios

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill simulates real-game conditions where teams need to maintain positional discipline, use neutral players effectively, and defend in a compact shape. It improves decision-making, passing under pressure, and understanding of team structure both in possession and when defending. The drill focuses on creating balance, using the whole pitch, and ensuring that players understand their roles in various phases of the game.

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A.S_Roma_SSG_9v9+4_on_6_small_goals_by_Jose_Mourinho_2