5 vs 5 Release Game

POSSESSION AND ELIMINATION SKILLS

OFF-BALL MOVEMENT

EXPLANATION:

• 2 X’s are positiioned in opposite gates, and 3 X’s in the center of the 20m x 20m area.
• Same starting position for the O’s: 1 in each corner gate, and 3 O’s in the center.
• X’s start with the ball, and their objective is to pass the ball to one of the X’s in the corner gates. This scores a point.
• Once this pass is complete, the passer replaces the receiving player inside the gate, and the X inside the gate carries the ball out.
• X’s then look to maintain possession and score by passing to the X in the opposite gate.
• When O’s intercept, they can score a point by attacking either of their gates initially. Then subsequent goals must be scored in opposite gates. 

COACHING POINTS:

• Players on attacking team look to maintain possession, and move ball laterally to create clear passing lane to complete elimination pass.
• Off-ball attackers in the central area can spread wide in the grid to open up passing lanes OR be a simple passing option.
• Quick transition after scoring a point is effective to catch the defenders turning to defend the opposite gate. 

EVALUATION:

• Do players understand the benefits of using as much available space as possible? This should be clear to them and simple to see whether off-ball attackers move to stretch the defence.
• Attacking players should be able to maintain possession in a good size space with a small number of players. This is effectively a numbers-up situation with the target player in the gate. 

PROGRESSION:

• LTT: Can play this game with a volleyball or tennis ball: throwing and catching the ball so they can keep possession and understand the movements necessary. Stipulate that ball cannot be passed over heads.
• TTC & TTW: Add a possession component: Attacking team can also score a point by making 5 consecutive passes. This will draw defenders out to pressure the ball carrier.