KEEPING COMPACT VS POSSESSION

Coach - Henry Apaloo Duration - 20 Minutes

Setup an area with a target goal in two corners

opposite one another. You will also need two gates
set up in the other two corners. Inside the outside
area, set up another area inside it with two
poles/cones as a gate in the middle of the area. Split
the players into two teams with one player playing as
a neutral player. The footballs in this game start on the
outside of the area with the coach who passes the
balls into the team that’s turn it is to keep possession.
In this game, if the attacking team gets 8 passes it is
worth 1 point. If they play through the gate to another
teammate and keep possession it is worth 2 points. If
the defenders win possession of the ball, they must
score in one of the goals on the outside of the area
for 1 point. If they dribble through either of the gates,
they get 2 points. Regularly rotate the roles of both
the attacking and defending team.

Equipment
9 Players Footballs, Bibs, Cones, Goals

Coaching Points
Communication: The defending team will need to communicate between themselves to help them to work together
to protect the middle of the pitch and prevent the attackers from being able to play through. Additionally, the defenders
will need to communicate and work together to press the ball back too from the opposition players as well.

- 1v1 Defending: Defenders should look to defend side-on with a low body position to help them to move their feet
when defending 1v1, as well as being prepared to intercept the ball as the attackers look to keep possession. Defenders
should look to force the attackers away from the gate in the middle as well as try to retain possession in their 1v1 duel.

Keeping Possession: The attackers should look to maintain width and depth to help them to keep possession of the
ball. Players should look to support their teammates by providing support behind, beside, and ahead of the ball.

Awareness: With the ball, encourage players to provide support for the player in possession of the ball through their
movement.

Progression
The attackers can dribble through the gate as well as pass through it.

Regression
Reduce the number of passes the attackers have to make to score.

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