Sweeper Game

This game is best played as a 4v4 game with no keepers. Each team has a designated sweeper who can't get tackled in the 8 metre zone in front of his goal. He can play outside of th

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U15-U16 Game-related Advanced 65 mins 8–14 players Game tempo Transition

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Pitchside present Player view Delivery sheet

Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout diagram for Sweeper Game — **Pitch layout**
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

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How to use this session

Set the learning intention before players arrive.
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up rondo — Sweeper Game

8:00

Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.

Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.

Coaching points

Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.

Progressions

Add directional constraints.

Regressions

Reduce pressure / enlarge space.

Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Sweeper Game

18:00

Directional game with a condition that makes sweeper game the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.

Coaching points

Recognise when sweeper game is on.
In possession: create and use space.
Out of possession: organise early.

Progressions

Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.

Regressions

Add a neutral / bounce player.

Part practice · 18 mins

Sweeper Game

18:00

This game is best played as a 4v4 game with no keepers. Each team has a designated sweeper who can't get tackled in the 8 metre zone in front of his goal. He can play outside of this area but can be tackled. All players can go inside the sweeper zone, but just can't tackle the sweeper. They can however tackle his team mates. This game allows the sweeper time to build from the back and also gives the option of a pass backwards if there are no options forward or side-ways. You can also have the sweeper start with the ball if it goes out for any throw-ins, so that he gets a lot of practise.

Organisation: Balls: 10; Bibs: 4; Cones: Y; Goals: 6; Other: Large cones

Coaching points

Stay player-centred: ask before telling.
Keep ball rolling time high.
Connect the practice to the game picture.

Progressions

Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.

Regressions

Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.

Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Sweeper Game

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from sweeper game.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.

Coaching points

Catch them being good when the theme appears.
Manage challenge vs success live.

Progressions

Remove all conditions.

Regressions

Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.

Plenary · 5 mins

Review & cool down

5:00

Players share one learning from the session against the intention.

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points

Link back to Four Corners and next session.

Organisation

Area: Mark area to suit numbers and theme; keep transitions tight.

Setup: Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow, then adapt with STEP.

Equipment checklist

Balls: 10
Bibs: 4
Cones: Y
Goals: 6
Other: Large cones

Four Corners

Technical Apply the technical actions required in Sweeper Game.

Physical Work at game intensity with quality recovery between reps.

Psychological Scan, decide early, and stay connected to the next action.

Social Communicate clearly and support teammates through the practice.

STEP adaptations

Space: Shrink to increase pressure; enlarge to invite success and scanning.
Task: Condition the game so Sweeper Game is the clearest route to success.
Equipment: Adjust ball supply, target goals and mannequins to support picture.
People: Use overloads/underloads and floaters to manage challenge.

Reflect

Did players recognise Sweeper Game without constant coach intervention?
Was ball-rolling time high enough across the session?
What STEP change is needed next time for individuals?

Related drills

1v1 rolling, attack/defend

1 2 3 Setup – 2 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Players from each queue alternate who’s go it is. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the second goal – player from alternate queue will be attacking. Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go Ball must hit net - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend

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1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

Use in creator

Drill 178

Game: 6v4 4v4 + 2 spare players who are always on the IP team IP – IP team has to score OP – To win the ball and transition To transition the ball has to go round the cone When goal is scored the IP team start again Always a 6v4 with the Ip team having 2 extra players. Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 20 min.

Use in creator