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Equipment, Setup & Instructions

Equipment

Setup

Area: Half-pitch area marked out with flat cones
Goals: One full-size goal at each end of the area
Team Red: 10 red outfield players lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape (4 defenders across the back, 2 central midfielders, 3 advanced midfielders, 1 striker) spread across their own half
Team Red GK: 1 yellow goalkeeper positioned on the goal line of the red team's goal
Team Blue: 8 blue outfield players lined up in a 4-2-2 shape (4 defenders across the back, 2 central midfielders, 2 forwards) spread across their own half
Team Blue GK: 1 yellow goalkeeper positioned on the goal line of the blue team's goal
Equipment: cones marking the wide zones for the wide players on each flank, flat cones outlining the half-pitch boundary, bibs worn by all outfield players for team identification

Instructions

The game begins with the goalkeeper rolling the ball to one of the center-backs, who have a free first touch.
The centre-backs play the ball, focusing on switching the play wide.
Outside players must stay between their designated cones and play only two touches, initially without moving infield.
The objective for the attacking team is to move the ball into advanced areas and attempt to score.
If defenders win the ball, they counter-attack and must shoot within five seconds.
5a. All defending players must start OUTSIDE the wide areas, bnut can move into, once the wide players have had a touch.
5b. A goal only counts providing one of the wide players has touched the ball in that build up.
Progression 1: Players rotate positions, allowing wingers to come infield if another player takes their position.
Progression 2: Restrict the attacking team to a set number of passes before they can take a shot at goal.

Coaching Points

Encourage quick play through the middle and switch to wide areas when possible.
Train players to perform football-specific movements consistently at a suitable tempo.
Look for opportunities to bring wide players in from the line effectively.
Focus on completing accurate driven balls from the center-backs.
Promote individual skill development, such as dribbling, in wide areas.
Ensure players maintain positional discipline.
Emphasize the importance of quick decision-making in transition.
Work on the consistency of movements and tempo throughout the exercise.

Variations

Make it harder:

1. Limit the number of touches for the central midfielders to increase game tempo.

2. Reduce the time for defenders to counter-attack by lowering the shot window to three seconds.

3. Add a pressing defender to challenge wide players even further.

4. Require a switch of play before the attacking team is allowed to shoot.

Make it easier:

1. Allow wide players to take unlimited touches to build confidence.

2. Remove the time limit on the defending team's counter-attack shots.

3. Permit the attacking team to score without restrictions on the number of passes.

4. Increase the size of the zones for wide players, providing more space to operate.

4-2-3-1 Position Rotation Game

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