Belgium Arriving Late SSG

Instructions/Setup:

The game begins as a 4v4(+1) possession-based phase inside a central grid, with one neutral player acting as a floater to maintain tempo and overloads. Teams aim to complete a set number of consecutive passes (e.g., 5–6) before they are allowed to play out to one of the four wide players positioned on each side of the grid.

Once the ball is played to a wide player, two attacking players can make late, timed runs into the box. At the same time, two designated defenders must recover quickly to apply pressure and prevent the goal, turning the practice into a live finishing scenario.

Coaching Notes:

• Patience in Possession: Encourage calm, composed play in the central zone to bait defenders and create openings.

• Movement to Support: Players should constantly rotate and create angles to support the ball carrier and keep the possession fluid.

• Late Runs: Highlight the importance of timing and delayed movements into the box to arrive unmarked and finish with quality.

• Recovery Runs: Defenders must transition quickly from passive to active, focusing on recovering body shape and applying pressure.

• Wide Player Awareness: Wide players must scan early to assess delivery options and execute quality final balls.

Progression 1: Add a Target Goal for Central Possession:

Instead of immediately playing wide after completing passes, teams must play a penetrating pass into a small central goal first before switching play.

Focus: Reinforces the value of forward-thinking passes and adds variety to the build-up phase.