Center-to-Wide Attacking Play | Half-Space Build-Up SSG

Overview

• Built for U12 and up
• Needs 12 players (5 attackers, 5 defenders, 2 neutrals)
• Field size: 40m x 40m (fits on a standard small field)
• Per session: 10-15 minutes x several sets

Objectives

• Get players comfortable moving the ball forward through the middle every time
• Let them feel just how dangerous the wide half-spaces can be
• Speed up their decisions in tight space and short time
• Learn the whole flow from build-up to finish in a natural way

Setup

This is an attack-vs-defense drill on a field split into three zones. Players move the ball forward through the middle first, then switch it wide and use the half-space to attack the goal.

１）Split the field into three: a wider central zone in the middle and two narrow wide zones on the left and right

２）The attacking side starts in the center and passes the ball forward

３）Once they string 8 passes together in the middle, the wide half-spaces open up as live attacking areas

４）After switching wide, they get 4 passes or fewer to finish

５）Defenders press to win the ball back the whole time

６）Switch attack and defense on a goal or a turnover