[aaron@plot7.freeserve.co.]

Originally Posted by Cookie

I'm working on a session tonight with my U10's that is not really about width, but speed of play in congested areas - which by default actually encourages players to get into wide positions or move the ball wide.

I start off with a 5v5 in a 40x30 grid split into two halves denoting defence and attack zones. Object is to run the ball over your opponents goal line, but both teams are conditioned to only have two touches maximum in defensive area. Coaching points are slick, sharp passing and movement, move the ball quickly in defensive area, don't take risks in defence.

From there I progress to splitting the pitch lengthways into three zones (so two wide areas and one central zone). At the end of each area is a mini-goal (cones are fine) so you end up having three goals at each end of the same 40x30 area. Emphasis now switches on 2-touch in that central strip, encourage players to be creative in wide positions but to not take chances or risks in the normally congested midfield areas.

Finally we play a 8v8 match, but I mark out a square in the central area of the whole pitch (which is now 60x40) and tell all players that it is two touch in that central zone but unlimited touches elsewhere. You will see them think and act quickly in the middle, but also it will encurage them to spread the ball wide (or to stay wide to receive the ball) where they are then asked to be creative again and have as many touches as they want.

It's important to maintain a high tempo with this session, with lots of good movement off the ball and nice sharp passing. I've prepared a session plan for this if anybody has trouble understanding the above, just let me know and I'll email it.

Could you please email me your session plan for this topic.

Many thanks,

Aaron