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intermediategame play15-20 minutes12-20 players

Directional Game

Game-based drill with end zones requiring teams to play forward and break lines. Develops penetrating passing, forward runs, and attacking intent in realistic scenarios.

U11-U12U13-U14U15+

Setup

Create a 40x30 metre pitch with two end zones (5 metres deep) at each end. Play 6v6 or 7v7. Teams score by receiving a pass in the opposition end zone and controlling it. Normal possession rules in the middle area. Encourage forward passing and runs into end zones. Award points for successfully playing into end zones even without scoring.

Coaching Points

  • 1Play forward when opportunities arise, do not pass sideways unnecessarily
  • 2Make penetrating runs into end zones to receive
  • 3Recognise when to keep possession versus when to penetrate
  • 4Support forward passes with multiple running options
  • 5Defend by cutting forward passing lanes
  • 6Transition quickly from defence to attack

Variations

  • ✓Add conditions like must play through midfield zone first
  • ✓Require specific number of players in attacking end zone
  • ✓Award bonus points for one-touch finishes in end zone
  • ✓Progress to finishing on goal after receiving in end zone
  • ✓Create overloads in end zones (e.g., 3v2)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a directional game in football?

A directional game is a training format with end zones or target areas that teams must play into or through. This encourages forward passing, penetrating runs, and attacking intent rather than safe sideways possession.

Why use directional games?

Directional games develop attacking intent, forward passing, and penetrating runs. They discourage safe sideways passing by rewarding teams who play forward and break defensive lines, creating more direct and effective attacking patterns.

How do directional games differ from normal small-sided games?

Directional games add structure requiring forward play into specific zones, whereas normal games allow any direction. This focuses training on penetrating play, forward runs, and breaking lines rather than just keeping possession.

What age group benefits from directional games?

Directional games work well from 11 years old upwards when players understand tactical concepts like penetrating passes and forward runs. They help develop attacking patterns and decision-making about when to play forward versus keep possession.

Related Drills

Small-Sided Game 4v4

Structured small-sided game developing all aspects of play in a compact, high-intensity format. Maximum touches on the ball and frequent decision-making in realistic match scenarios.

Wave Attack Game

Dynamic attacking drill where waves of attackers attempt to score against recovering defenders. Develops quick attacking play, decision-making, and defensive recovery under pressure.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

🏆

The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

♟️

FM Tactician

FM24 & FM26 tactics and formations

Related Keywords

directional gamepenetrating passesforward playattacking intentend zonesgame-based trainingfootball trainingcoaching drillstactical trainingforward runsbreaking linesattacking patterns

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Directional Game - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT