Category: Team Tactics
Type: Game
THIRDS GAME
Here’s an interesting twist to a 7 v. 7 to teach players instinctive reactions to their field positioning. Divide the field of play into three equal areas from goal to goal. In the thirds game, players are allowed to go anywhere they want in the game, but must play with the following restrictions while in certain areas of the field:
-In the back third, players are limited to two touches on the ball.
-In the midfield third, players are limited to one touch.
-In the attacking third, players have unlimited touches.
These limits will help players with their understanding of risk and safety principles, and provide a rhythm to their play. The goal is to help build reactive instincts to the likely game pressures with respect to their location on the playing field. In the midfield area, space is limited, so play has to be quick. Players need to anticipate where they want to go with the ball and play quickly, thus only one touch is allowed. In the back third, players have more time, but generally it is not the place to dribble with the ball. Hence, two touches are allowed in the back area. In the attacking third, we want players to take defenders on and attack the goal aggressively. For this reason, players have unlimited touches while in the front third. As coaches, be sure to emphasize the reasons for the limited touches and highlight the importance of understanding these while following the guidelines.
Submitted by: Jeff Pill
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