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Possession

Keep Away With Neutrals: Five Second Counter-Press

Use the overload to keep the ball

Possession
Passing
Small-Sided Games

Keep Away With Neutrals: Five Second Counter-Press is a 18-minute possession drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Possession
Passing
Small-Sided Games
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Pressing
Counter Press
Transition

Duration

18 min

Players

8-16

Pitch size

35 x 25 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Keep Away With Neutrals: Five Second Counter-Press12335 x 25 yards

Keep Away With Neutrals: Five Second Counter-Press — Marked area · 35 x 25 yards

Step 1 of 4Neutrals always play with the team in possession.

  1. 1. Neutrals always play with the team in possession.
  2. 2. Ten consecutive passes scores a point.
  3. 3. Rounds of three minutes.
  4. 4. On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Dashed lines = zones / thirds
  • Ball
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Use the overload to keep the ball
  • -Support the ball carrier fast
  • -Recognise when to switch

Setup

  1. 1A 35 x 25 area with two neutral players.
  2. 2Two teams in bibs, neutrals in a third colour.
  3. 3Balls stored on both sides.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Neutrals always play with the team in possession.
  2. 2Ten consecutive passes scores a point.
  3. 3Rounds of three minutes.
  4. 4On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.

Coaching points

  • -Find the neutral early to keep the ball moving
  • -Angle of support before the ball arrives
  • -Change the point of attack to relieve pressure
  • -Nearest player presses the ball instantly
  • -Others screen the forward pass and squeeze up

Common mistakes

  • -Neutral standing still
  • -Passing to feet with no angle
  • -Trying to force forward every pass

Where this drill fits

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