Mastering possession

This is a competitive session devised of two similar games. It involves players being put under pressure in keeping possession, and also enhances fitness, passing, decision-making and communication.

We practise this because the modern game demands that all 11 players are comfortable in possession of the ball, from front to back.

What do I get the players to do?

Floating keepers game

Teams are two- or three-touch, and score in this 10v10 game by completing 10 consecutive passes (1). Keepers are neutral and two-touch.

1

We increase difficulty by making teams strictly two-touch, and keepers one-touch.

Goals game

In the Goals game, each keeper protects a goal, which is five yards wide. The defending team now works with the keepers to repel the attacking threat (2). Attackers score in the goals, while defenders are still awarded a point by making 10 passes.

2

3

What are the key things to look out for?

We’re looking for players making angles with good movement to receive the ball. An accomplished first touch is important, with a focus on weight and quality of passing. We want to see quick one-twos and sharp reactions from the keepers, in the form of neat footwork (in the first game) or shot-stopping (in the second).