Translated from Finnish ·
Transitions, Small-Sided Games
Eight players: three pairs and two goalkeepers. The area is divided by a halfway line into two halves, with a goal at each end. In the diagram, the area is 24 × 30 m. Adapt the size to suit the age group. One pair starts with the ball from the halfway line and attacks 2v2 towards the goal defended by the second pair. The third pair waits in the other half. If the defenders win the ball, they immediately attack the opposite end against the third pair. Play does not stop, and there is no need to collect the ball from the goalkeeper. When the attack ends with a goal or a save, or the ball goes out of play, the goalkeeper gives the ball to the pair that was defending, who then attack the other end in the same way. The pair that loses possession stays in their own half and defends when the next attack comes into that half. The defenders engage high so that the attacker cannot get a shot away. For a larger group, set up multiple areas. Source: The FA, 2v2 attack vs defending.
The defenders close down the player on the ball already far from their own goal and keep them outside shooting range. After winning the ball, the first touch takes the ball forward towards the other goal. The second player in the pair immediately moves wide to support and does not stand and watch. The player on the ball lifts their head before making the decision: dribble or pass to their partner.