How to Use Conditioned Games in Soccer Practice

When coaching technical and tactical topics, as well as fitness, the use of conditioned games can be a big factor in whether the concepts carry over from practice to the real game. Conditioned games are essentially games with special rules or restrictions that bring out a coaching point or topic in a natural, game-like manner.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Pinnies
  • Balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use realistic conditions for tactical topics. If the topic is wall-passing, for example, conditioning the game such that every attacking possession must contain one wall pass before a shot can work, although effective, is not realistic. Instead, conditioning the game such that every short pass must have a wall pass run from the passer, but the receiver should only return if it is appropriate to do so, retains the element of choice. It is important that players learn to read the game rather than play robotically. Similarly, conditioning a game for overlapping runs for every pass encounters the problem of what to do for passes longer than 30 yards. However, conditioning the game such that short passes on the wing must be overlapped is more realistic because it allows for realistic long passing, while containing wall passes to the area of the field in which they most occur.

    • 2

      Manipulate the dimensions of the field and goals in order to condition the game more naturally. To work on width, use wide fields that are also short. To work on depth, play on long narrow pitches. To work on shooting, use full-sized goals on small grids. To work on possession with a purpose, use small goals on single cones to make scoring difficult, thus necessitating good possession.

    • 3

      Divide the field into zones to work on tactical ideas of shape and positioning. Horizontal zones are good for offensive work, while vertical thirds are good for defensive movement and shape. Wing channels are good for crossing themes. Dividing the field into nine boxes is good for movement off the balls.

    • 4

      Use touch conditions for dribbling and passing. A three-touch minimum restriction is good for working on dribbling and skill moves, as well as 1v1 themes. Using a three-touch maximum, on the other hand, is useful when working on passing concepts, as it keeps the ball moving and eliminates excessive dribbling.

    • 5

      Apply the conditions for a portion of the game only. The conditions should only be used to bring out coaching points. After an amount of time, remove the conditions to see if learning has carried over into a free game. If this happens, then that topic can be left and a new one worked on. If not, then the conditions can be reapplied or the theme returned to at a later date.