Possession

Possession 4v4+3

Keep the ball with a numerical advantage

Possession
Passing
Team Shape
Transition
Premium

Possession 4v4+3 is a 20-minute possession drill for 10-16 players, suitable for Under 8 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, bibs, cones. 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
Team Shape
Transition
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable

Duration

20 min

Players

10-16

Pitch size

30 x 25 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Possession 4v4+312330 x 25 yards

Possession 4v4+3 — 4v3 possession — keep the ball away from the middle · 30 x 25 yards

Step 1 of 3Team in possession uses the neutrals to keep the ball.

  1. 1. Team in possession uses the neutrals to keep the ball.
  2. 2. Ten passes equals one point.
  3. 3. Transition immediately on turnover, no stoppage.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Ball
  • Blue = possession team, dark = defenders in the middle
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Keep the ball with a numerical advantage
  • -Recognise when to switch and when to play forward
  • -React instantly to losing the ball

Setup

  1. 1Mark a rectangle.
  2. 2Two teams of four plus three neutral players who always play with the ball.
  3. 3Balls around the outside for quick restarts.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Team in possession uses the neutrals to keep the ball.
  2. 2Ten passes equals one point.
  3. 3Transition immediately on turnover, no stoppage.

Coaching points

  • -Create passing triangles, never stand in shadows
  • -Neutrals play one or two touch
  • -First pass after winning it must be safe
  • -Switch the ball when the near side is crowded

Common mistakes

  • -Everyone rushing to the ball
  • -Neutrals holding the ball too long
  • -No pressure in the first three seconds after loss

Where this drill fits

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