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This week we take a look at technical training in a confined area. The following activity and progressions will develop one-touch passing and combination play in a limited space. The activity begins unopposed (no defenders) and progresses to include “pressure” from defensive players. The confined space and one-touch restriction in place dictates that the activity will be of a high tempo.

Activity #1: One-Touch Speed Passing
Set Up:

A 8×8 yard grid is created as shown below. Two players begin inside the grid: 6 remaining players begin around the perimeter of the grid as shown.

Explanation:

All players are limited to one-touch play. Players CANNOT pass to the player that just passed the ball to them – this ensures that the player receiving the ball must already be looking for another passing option and also encourages the players to move into supporting positions early to receive the next pass. Perimeter players must look to pass to the central players often – “work the central players” Rotate central players after 30-40 seconds.

Coaching Points:

1. Find the central players quickly!
2. Tempo, Tempo, Tempo – sharp passing and movement
3. Communicate at all times.
4. Keep the ball moving – think one step ahead.

Progression #1: One-Touch Combination Play

Same setup as above.

Explanation:

Restrictions: One-touch play, can´t pass to the player that you received from. Central players are encouraged to combine with each other as often as possible. Diagram (b) illustrates Players (A) and (B) combining with each other prior to passing to a perimeter player – Player (B) has received a pass from a perimeter player and has layed the ball back for Player (A). Central players must constantly be aware of their partners position if they are to offer good supporting angles and distances. Rotate central players after 30-40 seconds.

Coaching Points:

1. Central players must constantly adjust their positions to offer good supporting options to the perimeter players AND their central partner.
2. COMMUNICATE at all times.
3. Sharp passing to maintain a high tempo.

Progression #2: One-Touch Combination Play (with defensive pressure)
Set Up:

Same set-up as the first activity with the addfition of a defender in the central grid as shown below.

Explanation:

Same restrictions apply. Central players must move constantly to create supporting angles for the perimeter players as well as each other. Perimeter players are encouraged to pass to the central players often. Points are awarded for successful combinations between the two central players – this forces the central players to constantly be aware of each others positioning and movement as well as the positioning of the defensive player – develops “awareness” in confined areas.
Diagram (c) above illustrates the two central players combining sucessfuilly – Player (A) receives a pass: As the ball is travelling to (A) Player (B) has moved into a good supporting position to allow for a one-touch pass from partner (A).

Coaching Points:

1. Be aware of partners positioning, movement.
2. Be aware of defenders positioning and movement.
3. Sharp passing at all times.
4. Tempo, Tempo, Tempo – maintain a high tempo during the activity to create game-like pressure situations.

Progression #3: Combination Play (2 defenders)

Same set up as above with the addition of another defender as shown below.

Explanation:

Same as previous activity. Perimeter players are encouraged to pass to the central players often. Points are awarded for successful combinations between the two central players – this forces the central players to constantly be aware of each others positioning and movement as well as the positioning of the defensive players – develops “awareness” in confined areas.
The additional defender creates greater pressure on the 2 central players thus forcing them to make quicker decisions. There are only 4 perimeter players at this progression therefore these perimeter players must constantly move to offer good supporting angles.

Note: For younger, less technical players it may be advisable to have more attacking players than defensive players (“numbers up” situation) – this will ensure success at early stages.