Possession
Positional Possession Grid: Restart Realism
Hold positions in a structured possession game
Possession
Team Shape
Passing
Positional Possession Grid: Restart Realism 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.
Back to drill libraryPossession
Team Shape
Passing
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Set Pieces
Game Realistic
Organisation
Duration
20 min
Players
8-18
Pitch size
35 x 30 yards
Ability levels
Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
Positional Possession Grid: Restart Realism — Marked area · 35 x 30 yards
Step 1 of 4Teams 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.
- 4. All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
- 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.
- 4All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
Coaching points
- -Occupy different lines and heights
- -Rotate only when a teammate covers the space
- -Play the free player before the press arrives
- -Shape up quickly on every restart
- -Talk to organise before the ball is live
Common mistakes
- -Everyone drifting to the ball
- -Zones left empty
- -Slow ball speed