Designing a pre-season training session is definitely a balancing act for a coach. On one hand most coaches want to improve the fitness levels of their players, making up for a long lay-off and preparing them for the rigors of competition as soon as possible. On the other hand however, we are becoming increasingly aware as a coaching community that 'too much, too soon' can be detrimental to fitness levels and can increase the risk of injuries throughout the squad. Therefore, finding high-intensity games that are relevant to the style of play that the staff are looking for, can be extremely beneficial for fitness and enjoyment levels.
Having a game-based approach to the initial stages of pre-season training can provide the following advantages:
Creates a natural intensity that arises from competition
Reduction of stoppages for coaching points
Enjoyable for players after a long layoff
Great way to incorporate technical and tactical aspects, alongside the physical component
Below is a YouTube breakdown detailing three exercises. If you enjoy this content, please subscribe to our MSC YouTube page.
Please find the information and dimensions for all the exercises below, including a bonus exercise also:
7v7 High Pressing Game
Players are split into 7v7 teams
Game played in a 25x45 yard area , split into 3 zones
Players are not limited to movement and can go anywhere in the area
One condition of the game: If a team regains the ball in the opponent's initial zone and score, the goal is worth 3 points
This is to incentivize high pressing throughout
All restarts begin with the goalkeeper of the possession team
5-Second Restart Game
Game played in a 25x45 yard area
Players are split into 7v7 teams
Players are not limited to movement and can go anywhere in the area
One condition of the game: If a ball goes out for a throw-in, the possession team have five seconds to restart the game or possession turns over
This is to increase speed of play and create attacking opportunities from fast restarts
Quick Transition Game
20 players are split into two 5v5 games with players on each team numbered 1-5 on both pitches
Games played in two 15x30 yard pitches, right beside each other
Both games start at the same time
Coach randomly calls one or two numbers and players on both teams must switch with teammates on the other pitch who have the same number
When changes occur, games continue without any stoppage
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