With the regular season almost over for Junior football teams, the thoughts of some coaches are already tuning to the end of season 5, 6 or 7 a side tournaments that are popular landmark in the calendar of a number of many teams.
It is often the case that different players in your squad shine in the smaller sided games and end of season tournaments are a great way to build confidence.
Here we look specifically at the best way to play 6 a side tournament football.
6 a side football is a fast paced and exciting game which develops ball skills and the techniques needed to play in tight situations. There are a number of 6 a side formations which you can try that will give your team a tactical edge over your opponent.
In small sided games like 6 a side though, formations are not the only deciding factor. Individual tactics and ways of playing also have a big impact. These are some of the key tactics your players need to master to become a great 6 a side team:
Move the ball constantly
With lots of quick passing and moving you can catch the opposition out of position which gives you the chance to score. By keeping the ball moving at all times in 6 v 6 games, you are asking the opponent to make several micro judgements about where to be, when to press and when to apply pressure.
If you keep the ball moving enough, at one time they will make the wrong decision and you can capitalise.
Control Counter-attacks
When you have a lead or a strong foothold in your 6 v 6 game, it’s important to keep the ball away from your opponents by retaining possession. They can't score if you have the ball.
If you do lose it however, you must drop into your defensive shape as quickly as possible and let the opposition come to you. Your aim is to pinch the ball back and hit them on the counter attack by outnumbering them.
The quicker you can make the transition from offensive shape to defensive shape and back to offensive shape, the more counter attacks you will enjoy.
Defend as a team
It is no good if one of your players decides they are a striker with no defensive responsibilities! All players should contribute defensively and teams should defend from the front with the strikers pressing to win the ball.
Your front man should mark their defender to make it hard for them to get out. This puts pressure on the opposition at the right end of the pitch.
Make sure your goalkeeper is the best communicator in your team
You need good communication from your goalkeeper because the game is so fast-paced it can be hard to keep track.
Your goalkeeper has the best view of any of your players and their field of vision is able to support those micro-judgements you need to get right with good information.
Shoot for the corners
Shooting is obviously one of the key skills to master in 6 a side football as it is in any form of the game.
There are drills your team can practice to improve their finishing in corners.
Choose the right formation
Whilst individual tactics are important, the team formation also plays a crucial role in 6 a side. Here are some of the most popular formations you might want to consider:
2-2-1
For many teams this is the most realistic in terms of occupying the field in a balanced way. It also allows for building play from the back and forming attacks. This formation is supported if you have players that are very dynamic and can play in both central and wide positions as there is constant interchange.
2-1-2
This is a popular formation in 6 v 6 games as it enables the use of triangles all over the pitch, both defensively and in attack. It is a very popular formation for teams who want to buy into the idea of moving the ball constantly which is a key tactic.
Naturally in order to execute this formation to its full potential you need to have players who can really look after the ball and move it, ideally at pace.
This formation is one of the strongest in 6 a side and suitable for exposing players to different aspects of the game as they will find different demands placed upon them to fill different roles playing both centrally and wide.
1-2-2
This formation has 1 central defender, 2 midfield players who support the single defender on either side and 2 central strikers or as a variation, 1 central midfield player and 1 striker.
For many people this is a highly effective formation in 6 a side and allows players to show their talents in several different aspects of their game. It is only worth considering if you have a strong defender who is comfortable in defending situations where they might be outnumbered.
The width created with this formation is constant and it gives you 3 players to play out from the back which some teams prefer. The wide players can get forward and support the attack when they can, although it is essential they are aware of their defensive positioning to ensure you are not outnumbered on counter attacks.
The Central midfield player is pivotal and must link up with the striker effectively to create chances.
1-3-1
The spine of this formation is the 1-1-1 and the two extra players support all aspects of play. Their ability to get up and down the pitch and sustain their levels of running are essential. This formation works at its best when these 2 players are able to play as high as the ball meaning they can support the defence, midfield or attack as required.
1-1-3
This is a 6 a side formation you might want to consider transitioning into from 1-3-1, especially if you are trying to score a goal. It works best when you have 1 strong defender who can defend different types of threat, a disciplined central midfield player who will hold his position and provide cover and 3 attacking players who can be trusted with the ball.
Being able to trust your front players to protect the ball is essential in this formation, it is no good if they are turning it over cheaply and leaving your single midfield player and defender exposed.
Summary
6 a side football is fast paced and sharpens skills in all areas of the pitch which are transferrable to bigger games.
There are lots of ways you can improve your team by working on drills and choosing the right formation for 6 a side.
