NASA SSG for GAA

This is a great small-sided game (SSG) for developing spatial awareness, movement off the ball, communication, and decision-making in Gaelic football (GAA). The NASA drill, with its focus on players positioning themselves in specific zones on the pitch, promotes these skills by creating conditions where players must avoid crowding and think tactically about their space on the field.

Here’s a breakdown of how the game works and potential progression:

Phase 1: Basic Setup (9-box grid, no teammate in the same box)

Pitch dimensions: 45m x 45m
9 equal boxes: The pitch is divided into 9 sections, forming a 3x3 grid.
Basic rule: Players from the same team are not allowed to receive a pass in a box/zone the has someone else from there team in it.
Purpose: This encourages players to constantly move into different spaces, find gaps, and communicate with each other to maintain effective positioning.

Phase 2: Adding a second phase (Player coming off the shoulder)

After completing a pass, a second player from the same team must come to the shoulder of the player who received the pass within 5 seconds.
Purpose: This encourages movement off the ball and quick support play, which is vital in real-game situations where players need to create overlaps and options for the ball carrier.

Additional Details:

Reset time: Taking 10-15 seconds to reset after each play or sequence allows for quick recovery and reflection, and encourages players to organize themselves before resuming the game.
Purpose: This helps to create game-like transitions where teams must quickly shift between attack and defense, enhancing communication and positional awareness.

This drill aligns well with the principles of spatial awareness and tactical understanding. It can be a powerful tool for teams looking to enhance their movement and coordination in possession.