Possession

Positional Possession Grid

Hold positions in a structured possession game

Possession

Team Shape

Passing

Premium

Positional Possession Grid is a 20-minute possession drill for 8-18 players, suitable for Under 11 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

Team Shape

Passing

Skill Practice

Intermediate

Advanced

Full Squad

Minimal Equipment

Youth Friendly

Adult Suitable

Duration

20 min

Players

8-18

Pitch size

35 x 30 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Positional Possession Grid — Marked area · 35 x 30 yards

Step 1 of 3Teams keep possession, with a maximum of two players per zone.

1. Teams keep possession, with a maximum of two players per zone.
2. A point is scored for a pass that skips a zone line.
3. Three rounds of five minutes.

Cones mark the area
Dashed lines = zones / thirds
Ball
Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

-Hold positions in a structured possession game
-Play through the thirds
-Create numerical advantages

Setup

1Split the area into nine zones with cones.
2Players start in assigned zones with two neutrals.
3Balls with the coach for restarts.

Coaching instructions

1Teams keep possession, with a maximum of two players per zone.
2A point is scored for a pass that skips a zone line.
3Three rounds of five minutes.

Coaching points

-Occupy different lines and heights
-Rotate only when a teammate covers the space
-Play the free player before the press arrives

Common mistakes

-Everyone drifting to the ball
-Zones left empty
-Slow ball speed

Equipment needed

Balls

Cones

Bibs

Age groups

Under 11

Under 12

Under 13

Under 14

Under 15

Under 16

Adults

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