The Beauty of the Small Sided Game: Tactics for 6-a-side soccer
In the last issue the experts at LeisureLeagues showed the winning moves for success in the 5-a-side game; this issue Alex Zielski switches the focus to 6-a-side soccer. Read on to find out the key tactics.
Johan Cryuff was undoubtedly one of the greatest players to grace the football field, his idealism on how the game should be played proved refreshing, and ultimately groundbreaking.
The Dutchman played a pivotal part in the ‘total football’ revolution for both club and country during the 1970’s, the central figure as Ajax and The Netherlands opened up their opponents for fun with ruthless attacking prowess.
Although arguably not as fruitful in management as he was with a ball at his feet, Cryuff still brought some landmark ideas to the table. For example he swore by a more common theme witnessed in training sessions across the globe, and that is playing on a smaller, compact pitch, often adapting to 5 vs 5, or 6 against 6, whilst also having his own modified version where players switched sides.
THE CRUYFF GAME
“In a small area, the movement is necessarily fast and the passes must be pinpoint. Two of the six play wide and change team whenever the other four gain possession. It is always six with the ball against four trying to retrieve it. This possession principle should operate in any area of the normal field of play, so our training is intense and is the basis of our game. You can close down space more effectively by accurate passing when you have the ball, forcing opponents into certain positions, than you can by man-marking without the ball.” (Johan Cruyff)
6 TACTICS FOR 6 A-SIDE SOCCER
1) How to defend as a team
Most sides will set up with two players at the back, two, possibly three in the middle, then either a lone man, or two up top. This provides an even balance to the side, a core setup which should result in flowing football. With the ball Zonal marking is a prominent feature in the modern day 11 a side game but in 6 a side football, this can result in confusion. Man marking is key. What can be simpler than agreeing at kick off, “he is your man, stick with him”? The two dedicated defenders will know their men, as will the midfielders.
What is pivotal however, is the importance that the forwards are also aware of their responsibilities, and that, unlike in the traditional game, they will be required to lend a helping hand in defending. Players at the back can quite easily burst forward, and if the top man isn’t sharp enough to spot the opposition’s movement it can leave the backline outnumbered and exposed. The key message to defending in 5 or 6 a side football, is that it is everyone’s responsibility – defend as one.
2) Playing off a Target Man
One unique feature of 6 a side football is its pace. Something which can be very effective, is to have a target man (especially for those teams consisting of the mature, for want of a better word, players). Facing a bunch of youngsters with bags of energy can be a daunting prospect so it is key to utilise any strengths available, and playing with a target man could well be one.
Having a Jon Parkin in your setup, someone who the ball sticks to, even if it is just to take the sting out of a game and slow it down, can be greatly advantageous. There is nothing wrong playing with a striker who spends large periods with his back to goal – feed him, let him knock the ball back and then spin off to create more space which the midfielders can subsequently exploit.
3) Breaking quickly
Much like wing backs on an 11 a side pitch, the defenders play an important part in attacking. Perhaps surprisingly, an alert goalkeeper can create chances. Pulling off a fine save is obviously what is required, but one who can then bounce up and release the ball straight away is a massive asset. At Leisure Leagues, the shot-stopper is only permitted to roll the ball out so it is useful if the defenders can also react quickly and make themselves available promptly.
Having pacey players helps, but isn’t a must. Someone in the middle who can thread the ball and pick a pass to the forwards, similarly to Cesc Fabregas or Luke Modric can really expose teams.
4) Quick Free Kicks
Every free kick in 6 a side football is direct so to get the ball moving again quickly can catch teams off guard. On the other hand, on conceding a free kick, ensure that someone stands on the ball in an attempt to quash any impending threats.
5) Goals Win Games
If you don’t like having a pop at goal, then 6 a side football may not be for you. As discussed, the small sided game requires defenders to attack and forwards to work back so it is a great advantage if the deeper players aren’t afraid to hit one from distance. Depending on the size of the pitch it can be more than plausible to have a dig from the half way line, test the keeper and see if he is up to scratch.
6) Training/Preparation
Not all 6 a side teams will train but it is of course, useful to do so. Getting use to playing alongside teammates can provide familiarity with each others styles and help to determine tactics and positioning. One thing which would be advisable is to get accustomed to the goals; practice shooting at a smaller target area. Other exercises such as playing ‘two-touch’ will only enhance a team’s ability to knock the ball around.
These are merely suggestions on how to tackle 6 a side football and every team will have their own ideals and methods on how to succeed. But one thing with which top class managers agree on is its ability to improve their players’ games in numerous ways. So what are you waiting for?