Possession with penetration

This is a training practice that quickly evolves from a simple passing triangle to other activities that coach pressing, receiving, combinations, switches and team movement.

It’s great to see players building their understanding as a session develops, and this is exactly the sort of plan that enables them to be ‘game ready’ ahead of a competitive fixture.

What do I get the players to do?

The passing triangle (2x4mins)

We will set up two identical areas (one is shown), with three cones organised in a triangular shape (1), 15 yards apart.

This practice uses simple one-twos before breaking out into a final dribble. On each ‘final’ pass the player follows the ball so that each moves to a new station. When all three players have done a full circuit we will run the practice in the other direction.

1

What are the key things to look out for?

Here, we want to see good technique in passing and receiving, accuracy of the pass and speed of both passes and movement between stations.

Pressing exercise (10mins)

In the next practice we have three defenders passing between each other, as shown (2). To begin with only outside players can pass into the goal, and it is the task of the three attackers to work backwards and forwards in pressing their opponents.

To progress the challenge and make the passages of play less predictable for defenders, we will allow the middle player to pass into the goal.

2

What are the key things to look out for?

In this practice we want to see players developing an understanding of pressing and blocking lines of passes. We’re also paying close attention to the speed and angle of the press.

Combinations and sharp movements (12mins)

We now set up, as shown, in a 26x26-yard area with a small gate in each corner (3). This is a 6v6 centrally with the outside ‘gate’ players from each team positioned diagonally in relation to each other. It’s three-touch in the middle and two-touch on the outside.

Players score a point by passing through the gate to their outside player, who will check to the side to receive before quickly ‘bouncing’ the ball back in as his team aims to retain possession.

3

What are the key things to look out for?

Here we are working on ball retention, plus angles of passing and receiving, and support around the ball. In addition, we’re paying attention to the second angle a player makes after a pass is dispatched, as  well as that player being alert to a ball coming straight back at him.

Gate switch of play possession (15mins)

Now we use a 40x44-yard pitch, with three four-yard gates at each side, as shown (4). This is 8v8 with keepers in place.

Simply, players have to run the ball through a gate for a point, with the keeper needing to position himself behind a gate in order to stop an opponent coming through. If the attacker sees the keeper in place he must switch play and look to set up a team mate for a different opportunity to penetrate.

4

What are the key things to look out for?

Here, we are focusing on the tactical aspect of having open positioning, which allows the team to open up and attack effectively.

Halfway line game (15mins)

Finally, we use a half pitch, 44 yards wide, with a halfway line marked. This is 8v8 with players adopting 3-2-3 formations, as shown (5). This game is played out in the normal way, except for the fact players must be in the attacking half for the team’s goal to stand.

5

What are the key things to look out for?

The conditions laid out encourage the defensive line to keep the team compact and stay close to the attack. This enables players to press better in transition, and subsequently keeps the team’s platform higher up the pitch.