7v7 Soccer: Holding the Back Line and Offside Trap

A 7v7 soccer game with offside called only in the final 13 yd, marked with cones, where the defense steps up and drops as one unit. Students work on organizing the back line, communication, and timing runs behind the defense.

How to play

1. Set up a 55 x 38 yd field with two goals and cones 13 yd from each goal; make four teams of 6 (5 plus a goalkeeper) (2 min).
2. Walk-through without the ball (3 min): the back three step up when you raise your arm and drop when you lower it, always on the center back's call.
3. 4v3 plus goalkeeper on half the field (6 min): attackers look for the pass in behind; anyone past the last defender when the pass is played is offside.
4. 6v6 game (2 x 6 min) with offside only in the 13-yard zone; a student from the resting team makes the call. A goal is 1 point; an offside created with a straight line is 1 point for the defense.
5. Switch teams and debrief (2 min): how often did the line break, and who made the call?

Rules

• Only the center back calls the step-up; nobody steps up alone.
• Offside is judged at the exact moment of the pass.
• No tackling from behind and no slide tackles.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays center back and runs the line by voice, with a partner who runs for him or her.
• Shyness or autism: starts as an observer with a card of what to watch, then keeps one position all game.
• Lower fitness: plays goalkeeper or on the back line, which covers less ground.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the back line on the center back's call.
• Attack the space behind with runs timed to the pass.
• Apply the modified offside rule fairly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soccer balls: 6
• Goals: 4
• Pinnies: 14
• Cones: 16
• Whistle: 1

Teacher tip

The classic mistake is one defender lagging and keeping everyone onside: have defenders watch the teammate beside them, not just the ball. Use a bright cone color for the zone.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School