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6v6+2 forward dribble only
Video
Description
The game is organized in an approximately half-sized field with marked wide channels. Each team has a goalkeeper. As shown the game includes 5 field players for each team although this can be adjusted. A player is stationed in each wide channel and is a neutral.
The field players have the following restriction – they can carry the ball (dribble) in any direction but can only pass backward except to the neutrals who have no restrictions. The goalkeepers also have no passing restrictions.
Scoring
1 point is scored for each goal.
The scoring system can be modified as follows – each team in possession starts with 5 points potential for a goal. Each pass deducts 1 point from the total down to a minimum of 1 point for a goal. For example, if a team makes 3 passes in a build-up and then scores a goal, that goal is worth 2 points. This system incentivizes players to carry and finish on goal quickly.
Progressions/Adjustments
In addition to the modified scoring system described above, several modifications to the game are possible.
- The neutral players are touch-restricted – for example 2-touch limits.
- If a player passes to a neutral, only a different player on the same team may receive the return pass.
- Neutrals may only pass the ball at a negative (backward) angle.
- Rather than restricting the neutrals to the wide channels, the neutrals share the field with both teams and the outside channels are removed.
- Remove the neutrals.
What we like about this activity
The activity can challenge players to adapt, notably when first introduced. For many teams, a foundational principle is passing the ball to the highest available player. In this game, the rules explicitly prevent this action. In response, players will need to perform two actions when in possession:
When the ball is on their foot, they need to look to advance the ball rapidly and with intent. As defenders close, they need to be aware of options to pass, which will be behind or to a side.
When a teammate is in possession, they need to constantly look to provide supporting positions behind, and ideally at an angle.
The neutrals provide an outlet for players to be able to move the ball forward quickly. With the neutrals in a wide channel, the field players have a frame of reference to “find” the neutrals. When the neutrals are mixed with the field players, the challenges are for the neutrals to find space to receive and for the player on the ball to find the neutral.
In many cases, teams will recognize that a good choice is to drive forward with the ball, recognize when the opponent is about to close further progress – often by disorganizing their shape by creating a pressure/cover (2 or more defenders) response, then switching the point of attack around the pressure with the receiving players pushing with the ball forward to continue play.
It is often the case in small-sided games, especially with 4 or more players per team, that players self-organize into attacking and defending roles. Ths game provides opportunities for “back line” players to gain comfort on the ball – both receiving and carrying – since they will always be an option for the player in possession.
Relationship to the game
As we noted earlier, the rules of this game are in direct contradiction to a principle of early direct forward play to break lines. However, the rules are designed to create opportunities for players to recognize when and understand how to advance the ball in possession and for teammates to understand the importance of providing supporting angles for the teammate in possession.
Here are some visualizations of these concepts.
Example #1 – The player carries the ball into pressure, and teammates are positioned to receive and advance into a different space
Example #2 – The player in possession uses a wide player (the “neutral” in the small-sided game) as a method to go around opposing pressure
Example #3 – The player in possession recognizes the opportunity to take on the opponent 1v1 to create a scoring opportunity
In addition to its tactical relationship to the full-sized game, the activity challenges players to problem-solve with unfamiliar rules and develop answers within the team context. Often, this will involve some communication among the players to self-direct.
Coaching points
Player on the ball – look for space, opportunities to push forward, risk/reward of taking on defenders, locations of supporting teammates and neutrals when encountering pressure
Attacking teammates – continually find positions for support for the teammate on the ball, and consider options if the ball is played to you, such as where to carry the ball or whether there is a better option to progress the ball.
Defenders – look to delay the progress of the ball without opening up other parts of the field in case the ball is switched; try to be an option for your 1st defender teammate if they win the ball by providing a support off-ball position as an outlet on transition
Neutrals – in the wide channels, slide up/down to be an option; if in the middle of the field, continue to work to provide an outlet for the player in possession
Adjust for numbers
The game can be sized up or down for numbers from 3v3 to 6v6. With larger numbers, the game becomes too difficult due to the number of players in the space. An additional neutral can be added with an odd number of players, or one of the neutrals can be assigned to a team – for example, 6v6+1.
Another option, if only field players are available, is to use 4 mini-goals (2 per end), which can create additional challenges and opportunities for the players.
Summary
The 6v6+2 forward dribble-only game presents a unique set of challenges for players. Various modifications can be created, altering the game to create new problems for the players. The game presents an opportunity for players to develop confidence on the ball, especially when driving forward in an attacking role.