7v7 in three zones: defending and beating the offside line
7v7 match in 45x27 m with two 9 m end zones: goals can only be scored by entering the opposition end zone after a pass, and the edge of the zone acts as the offside line for the defence.
Step 1Salida del portero
1 / 3
El portero inicia con pase al 2 en la zona central; el 6 baja a ofrecerse.
Objective
Train the defensive line to hold and push up the offside line in a coordinated way, and the attackers to time the pass and the run in behind to beat it.
Organisation
45x27 m pitch with a goal and keeper at each end. Cones mark two end zones 9 m deep; the central 27x27 m zone is where most of the game is played. Two teams of 6 plus a keeper, in bibs.
Development
- 1The keeper starts play with a pass to a team-mate in the central zone.
- 27v7 is played in the central zone; no player may be in the opposition end zone before the ball is played into it: entering early is offside.
- 3The attacking team can only score if a player receives a pass inside the opposition end zone and finishes past the keeper; dribbling into the zone does not count.
- 4The defence holds its line on the edge of its end zone, steps up together when the ball goes backwards and drops only once the pass in behind is already on its way.
- 5Forwards must time their run: go the moment the passer lifts his head and releases the ball, never before.
- 6After every regain in the central zone, look for a quick counter before the defence reorganises.
Coaching points4
- Defence: flat line, the centre back calls the step-up and everyone moves together.
- Defence: see ball and opponent at the same time; drop only when the ball is released.
- Attack: the run starts when the passer can play, diagonal from outside to inside.
- Attack: pass into space with pace, ahead of the runner.
Common mistakes3
- A defender staying deep marking a man and playing the whole team onside.
- A forward going before the pass and being caught offside repeatedly.
- Balls in behind with nobody having started the run.
Variations3
- Also allow goals by dribbling into the zone, forcing the defence to engage 1v1.
- 12 m end zone to give the run more margin.
- Two touches in the central zone to speed up circulation.
Progressions2
- Play 9v9 in 60x40 m with the same zones.
- Remove the zones and apply the normal offside rule.
Regressions2
- No offside inside the end zone: defenders only work on stepping up.
- Add a floater in the central zone to help circulation.
Tips
- Use an assistant or a spare player as linesman for each zone.
- Freeze the game when the line steps up or drops well and show it: success is coached too.