Possession

Four Corner Possession

Use the whole area to keep the ball

Possession
Passing
Team Shape

Use the whole area to keep the ball. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

Back to drill library
Possession
Passing
Team Shape
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable

Age

Under 9 to Adults

Duration

16 min

Players

8-16

Area / pitch size

30 x 30 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs

Coaching focus

Use the whole area to keep the ball

Objective

  • -Use the whole area to keep the ball
  • -Find the corner outlets
  • -Rotate the play calmly

Setup

  1. 1A thirty yard square with a corner player in each corner.
  2. 2Two teams inside competing for the ball.
  3. 3Balls with the corner players.

How to play

  1. 1Corner players are neutral and limited to two touches.
  2. 2Team in possession must use two different corners before scoring a point.
  3. 3Three minute rounds.

Coaching points

  • -Open the body to receive from the corner
  • -Switch through the corners when the middle is blocked
  • -Give the corner player an early angle

Progressions

  • +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
  • +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
  • +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
  • +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

  • -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
  • -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
  • -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
  • -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
  • -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
  • -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
  • -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
  • -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
  • -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
  • -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Using the same corner repeatedly
  • -Corner player holding the ball too long
  • -No movement to receive back

Related Football Drills & Sessions

Build a session with this drill

Related drills

Age band
Under 8 to Adults
Players
10-16
Time
20 min
Area
30 x 25 yards
Kit
Balls, Bibs, Cones
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Possession 4v4+3

Keep the ball with a numerical advantage

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionPassingTeam Shape
Age band
Under 8 to Adults
Players
10-18
Time
20 min
Area
40 x 30 yards with wide channels
Kit
Balls, Bibs, Cones
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Switch The Play Practice

Recognise when the far side is free

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionPassingTeam Shape
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
8-16
Time
18 min
Area
35 x 25 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Keep Away With Neutrals

Use the overload to keep the ball

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionPassingSmall-Sided Games
Age band
Under 10 to Adults
Players
8-18
Time
20 min
Area
36 x 32 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Overload Four Zone Keep Ball

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionTeam ShapePassing
Age band
Under 10 to Adults
Players
8-18
Time
18 min
Area
30 x 26 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Underload Four Zone Keep Ball

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionTeam ShapePassing
Age band
Under 10 to Adults
Players
8-18
Time
18 min
Area
32 x 28 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Skill Practice
Possession
FREE

Two-Touch Four Zone Keep Ball

Keep possession while moving the ball between zones

Intermediate / Advanced
PossessionTeam ShapePassing