Defend and attack, from front to back

By Michael Beale

This is a brilliant attack v defence game that keeps players on their toes. Not only must they work together to fashion chances or protect their goal, but the rotation of players on and off the pitch means play stays fresh and committed.

Team mates have the chance to work with playing partners who would usually operate in different areas of the pitch, and because this is, in essence, a 7v7 game, the competitive element should ensure players give their maximum right to the last.

How to set it up:

• Create a playing area that measures 40x30 yards.
  
• You'll need four cones and two goals, with a goalkeeper in each.
• Players are divided into two teams.
  
• Place two cones on each touchline. Each cone should be 10 yards in from the corner of the area.
• Four players from each team - two on each cone - begin on the touchline, ready to enter play.
• Each team selects a forward who is always on the pitch.

The rules:

• One player from each cone enters play and heads to the half the grey player is attacking, therefore providing a 3v2 overload situation.
• Once the attack is completed - whether or not it ends in a goal - the two greys who entered, now leave the playing area.
• The two white defenders start a counter attack towards the opposite goal.
• Now this team can combine with their forward for a 3v2 situation against two new grey defenders.
• Each time the defenders break out to counter attack, two new players must take up their positions.
• Play for 15 minutes.