Possession

Finishing Four Zone Keep Ball

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

Possession
Team Shape
Passing
Premium

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Possession
Team Shape
Passing
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Finishing

Age

Under 10 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

8-18

Area / pitch size

36 x 32 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs

Coaching focus

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

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Objective

  • -Keep possession while moving the ball between zones
  • -Create numerical advantages in each zone
  • -Coach when to keep and when to progress

Setup

  1. 1A square split into four equal zones in a 36 x 32 yards area.
  2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
  3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

  1. 1The team in possession must complete three passes before changing zone.
  2. 2A zone change scores one point.
  3. 3Defenders press with limited numbers per zone.
  4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
  5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Coaching points

  • -Move the ball to move the defence
  • -Occupy all four zones
  • -Change zone when the press arrives
  • -Head up before the strike — pick the side, then commit

Progressions

  • +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Everybody in the ball zone
  • -Forcing the zone change too early
  • -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball

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Build a full session around this drill

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