Central Penetration SSG | 3-Zone Breakthrough

Overview

• Older middle school up to top-level teams
• Played 11 v 11
• Field size: 30m x 36m
• Split into 3 zones (two side channels 2m x 20m, central zone 26m x 20m)

Objectives

• Get players thinking about breaking through the middle fast once they win the ball
• Build creativity and quicker decisions in midfield
• Sharpen your center backs’ positioning and how well they read the play
• Train players to create a numbers-up situation quickly the moment possession flips

Setup

Players work a 2 v 2 in the first zone (a side channel), play through the central zone (where one neutral player is always there to help), and connect into a 2 v 2 in the third zone. Goals only count off a shot in the third zone.

１）Split into two teams and set them up across the zones

２）The team in possession plays 2 v 2 in the first zone

３）The neutral in the central zone links the play and feeds it into the third zone

４）The third zone becomes a 2 v 2 attack going for goal

５）The second the ball is won, flip fast from defense to attack