Possession

Rotation Four Zone Keep Ball

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

Possession
Team Shape
Passing

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
Rotation

Age

Under 10 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

8-18

Area / pitch size

32 x 28 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 32 x 28 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  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. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
  5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Coaching points

  • -Move the ball to move the defence
  • -Occupy all four zones
  • -Change zone when the press arrives
  • -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice

Progressions

  • +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Everybody in the ball zone
  • -Forcing the zone change too early
  • -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one

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