6v6 Match with Wide Neutrals
6v6 with goalkeepers and a neutral in each wide lane who always plays with the team in possession. Only the neutrals can use the lanes; goals from their crosses count double.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 14–16
- Duration
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 50 × 35 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Technical: Crossing, Finishing
- Tactical: Switching play, Ball possession
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Crossing
- Tactical:WidthSupport playSwitching playAttacking the box
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Neutral / support
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
The wide neutrals give the team in possession two free options on the flanks, so players learn to open the game wide when the centre is blocked, switch from one lane to the other and attack the box when the neutral crosses. Defenders have to protect the centre and the box instead of chasing the ball out wide.
Objective
Use the width to progress when the centre is closed and attack the box with runs to near post, far post and penalty spot.
Organisation
- 50 × 35 m pitch with a goal and goalkeeper at each end.
- A 5 m lane along each touchline with one neutral in each lane.
- Two teams of six in the central area; spare balls in both goals.
How it works
- Normal match in the central area. Only the neutrals may play in the wide lanes, and nobody can tackle them there.
- Neutrals play with the team in possession, maximum two touches, and can pass or cross.
- A goal from a neutral's cross or pass counts double.
- The neutrals may not pass directly to each other.
- 4 × 5 minutes; change neutrals each round.
Coaching points
- If the centre is closed, play to the neutral early, before the defence shifts.
- When the ball goes wide, three players attack the box: near post, far post and penalty spot.
- Neutral: take the first touch forward and cross before the defenders are set.
- Use one neutral to attract and the other to finish the switch through the centre.
- Defenders: protect the centre and the box; mark the runners, not the neutral.
Progressions
- One touch for the neutrals.
- Goals count only if the ball has been in a lane during the attack.
Regressions
- Neutrals have unlimited touches.
- Add a third neutral in the centre.
Variations
- A defender may enter the lane to press the neutral once the neutral has taken a touch.
Key principles
- Open wide when the centre is closed.
- Attack the box in numbers.
- Protect the centre.
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