Six decisions shape every game Lisa sets up: space, time on the ball, numbers, reward or penalty, where on the pitch, and constraints. She is firmly a reward coach, using bonus points for the target skill or the mystery contents of Linda the lion, her prize bag. Constraints like two touch or reverse-only teach players when a skill fits, and overloads such as 3v1 give a new skill room to appear. Watch the full masterclass: Basic skills through Small Sided Games.
Player numbers are a design decision, Enrich explains: an even 4v4, a permanent overload such as 5v4, or 4v4 plus a joker each shape the game differently. Jokers themselves can be constrained, supporting possession only, helping the defensive transition until the team completes three passes or leaves a zone, or being fixed in particular areas. The variations, he says, are close to infinite. Watch the full masterclass: Small Sided Games.
Constraints are the coach’s levers, and Enrich works through them: field shape and zones, densities, playing time and rhythm, scoring systems, technical and tactical rules, goal placement, even the umpire and the players’ senses. His favourite paradox concerns width: make the pitch wide and flat and players run straight at goal, but make it narrow and they naturally start using the full width to progress. Watch the full masterclass: Small Sided Games.