game

Develop through the game

Use the game to support individual development

GAME

Using a Game Model to develop your players

A game model helps to outline what you want your team to do in the four key moments of the game:

Attacking
Attack to defense transition
Defending
Defense to attack transition

For players U10 and under we recommend that coaches focus on two game moments:

Attacking
Defending

For players U11 and above we recommend coaches focus on all four game moments.

Learn more about how to use a game model with your team by clicking each age group. These game models are intended as guides and can be adapted according to the needs of your players and club.

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U17+ Game Model

The game of soccer moves regularly before four moments of the game: Attacking, attack to defense transition, defending, defense to attack transition
The goalkeeper plays an active role in all moments of the game

Attacking - when we have the ball

Create attacking shape (height / width / depth) to encourage forward play
Position a minimum of five players ahead of the ball and use clever positioning to create and exploit space
Try to play quickly into the attacking half
If you can’t play forward, try and keep the ball until you can
In the attacking half, use clever individual and combination play to create and finish goalscoring opportunities
Prepare for losing the ball by creating a high defensive shape behind the ball

Attack to defense transition - when we lose the ball

Immediately try to win the ball back and prevent the other team playing forward
If we can’t get the ball back immediately, recover quickly into a defending shape
Delay counterattacks by dropping off and blocking the path to goal allowing players to recover and reorganize
In the defending half, stop goalscoring opportunities and regain the ball
Anticipate regaining the ball and be ready to tak up attacking positions

defense to attack transition - when we win the ball back

Think forward and play forward
Use fast attacks to create chances and score goals
Provide support ahead and behind the ball
If we can’t play forward, keep the ball and move into our attacking shape
Prepare for losing the ball by creating a high defensive shape behind the ball

Defending - when we don't have the ball

Try to win the ball back as quickly and high up the field as possible
Reduce space for the opposition by making the field small and staying compact
If the opposition plays through the pressure, recover quickly
In the defending half, stop goalscoring opportunities by closing off the center of the pitch
Anticipate regaining the ball and be ready to take up attacking positions

Recommended Resources

Click each resource to download a PDF overview

GAME

using a game model to develop players

A game model helps to outline what you want your team to do in key moments of the game

GAME

Game model templates - 2 moments

Create your own game model that moves between two moments of the game

Game