7v7 With Offside Zones
A 7v7 match in which attackers may only enter the last 13 m (offside zone) once the ball is played in, or by dribbling in. Teaches runs in behind and a high defensive line.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 14–16
- Duration
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 55 × 40 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Tactical: Defensive organisation, Build-up play, Combination play
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Without offside, small-sided games often have a striker waiting by the goal. The offside zones bring back the real problem: attackers must time their runs, and defenders must hold their line together and step up. Use it with U11 and older.
Objective
Time runs in behind the defensive line and defend with a coordinated line.
Organisation
- Pitch of 55 × 40 m with two goals and goalkeepers. A 13 m zone in front of each goal. Two teams of six outfield players.
How it works
- An attacker in the zone before the pass is offside (free kick to the defence).
- Attackers may enter by dribbling or by running on to a pass played into the zone.
- 3 × 8 minutes.
Coaching points
- Attackers: start the run as the passer looks up, from outside the zone.
- Defenders: step up together, as a line, when the ball goes backwards.
- Passer: play the ball into space ahead of the runner.
Progressions
- Defenders may not enter their own zone until the ball does.
Regressions
- Bigger zones (18 m).
Variations
- Free movement for one player per team (a 'false nine').
Key principles
- Timing beats speed.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.