Click here for a short YouTube video on 1v1 through 3v3.
Looking at the match to decide on a soccer problem often takes the path of "our passing isn't very good, we can't finish, our defenders aren't effective" and so on. But another way to view the match is to look at how effective the players are in certain situations. How do they handle all of the different "little games" inside of the big one. Evaluating play on how well they have mastered the 1v1's, 2v1's, 2v2's, 3v2's and so on also benefits in helping to construct the practice. If the children can't play in a 3v2 situation in the match, then that could become a part of the next practice.
Use the smallest number of players possible to ensure the maximum number of repetitions. Have two or more small games going on at the same time, use a short "winners stay" format or have another smaller game serve as an active rest while a bigger game is going on. Simply adding players into a game for convenience can have a negative effect on the lesson. Change the numbers when it is appropriate.
1v1 - Soccer's most basic equation.
Once
a child is familiar with basic ball manipulation they will need to become familiar
with 1v1. Technique, the ability to judge space, read intentions and handle stress
are important in this moment. A good way to develop these qualities is to let
the children face the actual situation. These three examples have the same basic
organization but use three different starting points. In the first the attacker
starts with the ball outside of the field, carries it on and attempts to score
in the goal. The defender closes when the ball enters the field, attempts to win
the ball and score by dribbling over the attackers line. If the goalkeeper saves
the ball he plays it back out to the defender. The goalkeepers role is to keep
the attacker honest and to serve as the springboard for the defenders counter
attack.
In
this example the defender stands next to the attacker. The attacker will now be
faced with a defender either behind or alongside of him as well as having a goalkeeper
to beat. If the attacker has too much, or too little success, adjust the starting
point of the defender.
In
the third example both attacker and defender start on the goal line. The goalkeeper
starts the game by rolling the ball out from the goal so that the attacker can
be first to it. Now he will have a defender on his back and will have to turn
in order to score. The defender will have to concentrate on not allowing the attacker
to turn.
2v2
is the smallest form for learning about team work. 2v2 offers children a chance
to make simple plans, develop leadership skills, involves lots of 1v1 and assume
responsibility. This game is basic line soccer. Gain control of the ball and dribble
over the opponents end line. Every time the ball goes out of play or a goal is
scored the extra player/coach, (black #7), throws a new ball into play. In this
way the ball is never really out and the game stays very high paced.
This
game involves a different restart. Still 2v2 line soccer but when the ball goes
out of play one of the defenders steps anywhere off of the field while one of
the attackers lobs/throws the ball back into play. This leaves a 1v1 on the field
and the ball is coming out of the air. Once the ball touches the ground (or is
thrown) the game is live and all players return for a 2v2.
3v3
games are valuable because they are the form that involves the smallest shape,
a triangle. The third player creates more complex pictures and problems which
demands greater insight and concentration. Since 3v3 is one player short of "real
soccer" the game will ask for more technical then tactical answers. Positional
soccer isn't possible. This game shows the basic form.
Young children might have some difficulty moving from one level to another, i.e. from 2v2 to 3v3. In that case the games can use uneven numbers so that the children can get the hang of the new level while working against less resistance. Later, uneven numbers can be used to increase the resistance that players work against, i.e. attackers rarely work in even number situations so additional defenders might be employed, i.e. 4v6. There are several ways to create these games, see the sweeper keeper game and 3v2 combined goals.
A
neutral player. In this game of 2v2+NP the black #7 is the neutral player and
in this moment he is playing for the orange team giving them a 3v2 advantage.
When blue has possession he is on their team and they have the advantage. One
draw back is that the neutral player has no defensive responsibility. This is
a good role for the coach to assume as he will be close to the action and can
help direct the players on the field. The game might have a rule that applies
to only the neutral player, see limiting factors.
See Less Then Four for the original text on this subject.
Click on the image to see some
scenes about numbers from the "Street
Soccer" DVD in a Real Time video.
Purchase an online copy from TotalVid.com
here.
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Problems - video |
| Players - video |
| Goals - video |
| Field - video |
| Rules - video |
| Ball -video |
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| www.bettersoccermorefun.com
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