Week 58 SSG & Finishing

Instructions/Setup:

This practice begins as a 3v3 small-sided game (SSG). Each time a goal is scored, two players, one from each team, must run out of the grid to an area designated for unopposed finishing. The players will complete the unopposed finish before swapping with the player who passed them the ball. This rule allows both teams to earn an additional goal after each score in the SSG, promoting both attacking play and finishing.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick Transition After Scoring

Encourage players to transition quickly from the SSG to the finishing area after scoring a goal. The key to taking advantage of this rule is speed and awareness. Players should be ready to sprint to the finishing area without hesitation in order to maximize the opportunity for an additional goal.

• Finishing Under Pressure

Even though the finishing part is unopposed, remind players to simulate match pressure by focusing on composure and precision. Encourage them to aim for different parts of the goal (corners, lower or upper sections) to develop a variety of finishing techniques. Players should always approach the finish as if it were in a real game.

• Focus on Passing and Movement

The passing player should deliver the ball with good weight and accuracy, ensuring it is in a position that allows the finisher to complete the shot efficiently. Off the ball, players should be aware of positioning and movement, ensuring they stay in sync to create these scoring opportunities after every goal.

• Defensive Transition Awareness

While the focus is on attacking, remind the defending players to maintain awareness of the transition rules. If the defending team loses possession in the SSG, they must quickly recover and track back to prevent the attacking team from gaining an extra goal through the unopposed finish.

Progression 1: Add Defensive Pressure

Introduce a passive defender in the finishing zone to increase difficulty. The defender can put mild pressure on the player finishing, simulating a real match situation where attackers need to be more clinical under pressure.

Focus: This progression encourages the attacker to finish with more composure while managing pressure from an opponent.

Progression 2: Limit Number of Finishing Opportunities

Limit the number of goals a team can score from the finishing zone (e.g., only one extra goal per team per cycle). This adds a tactical element where teams must balance playing for the additional finish with maintaining defensive discipline in the SSG.

Focus: This progression helps develop a balanced approach, ensuring teams don’t neglect their defensive responsibilities while chasing extra goals.