Maximizing Development & Performance in Small-Sided Games
Liverpool’s first-team manager, Arne Slot, recently made a statement that prompted us to reflect on the way training sessions are conducted globally, particularly when it comes to Small Sided Games at the end of training. The Liverpool manager, who is on track to secure a Premier League title in his first year at the helm, shared his thoughts during a press conference:
"Everything we do is at the intensity we expect on matchday. In training games, there's competition, which is a result of maintaining a structure that drives the players to perform at their best. While the rules may vary, we strive to keep the principles as close to matchday conditions as possible. I know this might not be the answer you're looking for, but it ultimately comes down to how we apply ourselves in training, and that is what translates into our matchday performance."
Now, let’s take a moment to really dissect the core message behind this statement.
The core message
When Slot discusses intensity, it’s something we can all easily grasp. However, it’s his comments about structure that stand out. How many coaches actually use offside lines in their small-sided games? It may seem like a minor detail at first, but when you think about it, removing offside can significantly affect player development and the match-related decisions that come with it. Consider just a few of the following:
Positioning awareness
Tactical understanding
Timing of runs
Execution of the offside trap
Defensive coordination
Decision-making under pressure
Awareness of space
Off-the-ball movement
Anticipation of defensive actions
Goalkeeper’s decision-making in defending space
These are just a handful of key development aspects and challenges that are impacted when offside isn’t part of the game. Additionally, without offside, communication becomes less relevant and is likely to occur less frequently in a small-sided game.
Before you blow the whistle in small-sided games, it's worth asking: What challenges do we want to present to players in this setup? Would incorporating offside bring more valuable learning opportunities? Adopting game-like rules doesn’t just impact defenders—it makes the entire game more position-specific, requiring better decision-making from attackers, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers alike.
The Message
The message from the current Premier League leaders highlights that training should closely mirror matchday conditions to encourage competition and push players to perform at their best. The key message is that the effectiveness of training—how well it is applied—directly influences the outcome of performances in real games.
