Maintaining possession through quick ball circulation and movement is an important element of any soccer / football match. Passing is an integral component of maintaining possession; it is important that players learn to develop these passing skills in realistic game situations while under pressure from opponents.

The following activities utilize ‘zones’ to allow players to understand elements of positioning; also, a ‘Free’ player is utilized to develop an understanding of creating advantages in certain areas of the pitch.

*Depending on the age / ability of the players these activities can be modified (space / players / touches / etc etc) to ensure an element of success.

1.

Setup:

A 7v7 + 1 ‘Free’ Player is organised as shown. Pitch divided into 3 zones; Players must remain in their designated zones – only ‘FREE’ Player may move between zones.

Instructions:

PASSING / POSSESSION – BUILDUP THROUGH ZONES:

Play starts from either Goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper + Two vs. Two = 3v2 situation; Players must attempt to maintain the ball through quick ball circulation and movement until an opportunity arises to pass forward into the central zone. A ‘FREE’ player is positioned in the Central Zone creating a 3v2 for the possession team.

Objective is to work the ball into the attacking zone to create goalscoring chances.

‘FREE’ Player may advance to support the attacking players by crossing into the Attacking zone.

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement
• Utilise the man advantage in defensive and Central zones
• One and 2-touch play encouraged
• Goalkeeper must learn to be integral support player while in possession

2.

Setup:

A 7v7 + 1 ‘Free’ Player is organised as shown. Pitch divided into 3 zones; Possession team must remain in their designated zones / Defensive team may shift across zones to compact the pitch – ‘FREE’ Player may move between zones.

Instructions:

PASSING / POSSESSION – THROUGH ZONES:

Play starts with a pass from Coach (C) to either team. Players must attempt to maintain the ball through quick ball circulation and movement. ‘FREE’ player is positioned in the Central Zone creating an advantage for the possession team.

Objective is to work the ball across the zones to create a goalscoring chance in any mini-goal.

‘FREE’ Player may also enter side zones to support and create an advantage.

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement
• Utilise the man advantage – quick ball movement is necessary otherwise the Defensive team has time
• to become compact which may neutralise the man-advantage.
• One and 2-touch play encouraged

3.

Setup:

An 8v8 + 1 ‘Free’ Player is organised as shown. Pitch divided into 3 zones; Possession team must remain in their designated zones / Defensive team may shift across zones to compact the pitch – ‘FREE’ Player may move between zones.

Instructions:

PASSING / POSSESSION – THROUGH ZONES:

Progression (1): ADD GOALKEEPERS:

Play starts with a pass from Goalkeeper.

Players must attempt to maintain the ball through quick ball circulation and movement. ‘FREE’ player is positioned in the Central Zone creating an advantage for the possession team.

Objective is to work the ball across/through the zones to create a goalscoring chance in any goal.
‘FREE’ Player may also enter side zones to support and create an advantage.

Players may score in any of their opponents goals.

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement
• Utilise the man advantage – quick ball movement is necessary otherwise the Defensive team has time to become compact which may neutralise the man-advantage
• One and 2-touch play encouraged