• Author:Thomas Kettner
• Pages:95
• Practices:56
• Level:U15-Pro

PDF Preview of "Flexible Training Sessions 5"!

Training booklets from practice for practice!

The fifth part of the series “Flexible Training Sessions” deals with the topic “Zone games for 6–12 players.” We as coaches all know the challenge of playing against a deep and compact opponent. The pressure of time and space in the opponent’s half increases as you approach their goal. If you do not want to rely only on long balls, crosses, and set pieces, a flexible but always controlled build-up is required in order to create space through switches of play and a variable attacking game.

To simulate this realistically in training, zone games are a great tool. Zone games are possession games in equal numbers, overload, or underload situations with several field zones. They improve the ability to use available spaces effectively under pressure and to circulate the ball in your own team until the right moment for a switch of play or breakthrough arises.

The opposing team, in turn, tries to restrict space and apply pressure in order to win the ball themselves.

Objectives of zone games:

• Improve possession play
• Use overload situations
• Prepare switches of play
• Improve transition play
• Form triangles and diamonds
• Execute technical elements (passing, ball control) under pressure

Zone games train all four phases of football (own possession, transition after losing the ball, opponent’s possession, and transition after winning the ball). They develop not only game intelligence and possession play, but also the behavior in overload, equal, and underload situations. In addition, they promote transition play, switches of play, counter-pressing after losing the ball, and optimal occupation of space after regaining possession.

Each game form includes recommendations for:

• Game duration
• Number of repetitions
• Total training time
• Field size
• Coaching points
• Variations

The coach can adjust field size, duration, repetitions, and total time individually to the age group and level of play. Both in youth and senior football we repeatedly face the challenge of being flexible with the number of outfield players and goalkeepers. That is the reality, and as coaches we must adapt.

Even with detailed training plans, we often need to adjust the number of players at short notice. This booklet series is a reliable tool for quick re-planning of training. Thanks to its handy format, the booklets fit into any coaching folder. Alternatively, you can look up the eBook in the locker room via smartphone or tablet to choose the right game form. Training booklets from practice for practice!

About the Author

Thomas Kettner

Thomas Kettner has been a soccer coach for over 28 years. He holds the UEFA A License and works according to his motto: “A coach is crucial for motivating and inspiring the players.”

The former coach of FSV Hollenbach’s U19s (Oberliga BW) attaches great importance to getting close to the players and opening them up to acquiring tactical flexibility. One of the ways he achieves this is through game forms that are extremely challenging and motivating for the players and that can be used flexibly depending on the number of players.

Over the last 12 years, a comprehensive compendium of Training Forms and Training Units, which he has now published with the Institute for Youth Soccer.

The special thing about his concept is the system of organizing the game forms. It can be used very flexibly and adapted to the number of players on the training day.