Dominating Possession With Purpose Ebook

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Prepared exclusively for helmi.gueldich1987@gmail.com Transaction: TFC15233

Dominating
possession
with
Purpose
THEFOOTBALLCOACH
Possession plays a key role in competitive and

development football. However, how do we
train the individuals and the teams to keep the
ball with the purpose of attacking the opponent.
This book looks to provide detail to those
questions.

Copyright © 2022 TheFootballCoach.Net
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requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions
Coordinator,” at the address below.
ISBN: 978-1-471-045189
Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are

used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the
author’s imagination.
Front cover image by TheFootballCoach.

Book design by TheFootballCoach.
Printed by FootballCoaching, Ltd., in the United Kingdom.
First printing edition 2022.
London,
United Kingdom
www.Thefootballcoach.net
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Contents
Book contents
4 Expectations
60 Creating the up, back and through combination
5 Start with why 63 6v6+4 positional practice: using the width to play
forward
6 History of possession 66 Being aware of the transition with possession of the
ball
69 Using the spare player to stay in possession of the
10 Extended principles of play ball
11 In-possession principles
72 Manufacturing width to unlock space centrally
12 Width
75 Developing player awareness though a constrained
14 Depth
game
15 Penetration
78 4v4+4 Into the Finishing phase
16 Retention and support 81 Finding the threaded pass between the opponents lines
18 Improvisation 84 Positional central play practice
19 Movement 87 5v5+4 positional transition rondo
22 Creativity 90 Transitional 3v3+3 rondo practice
23 Balance 93 6v3 Positional rondo
24 Different types of possession 96 6v6 Central positional game with finishing
99 Developing control and avoiding chaos
28 Passing combinations 102 Atletico Madrid possession and defending game
29 Up, back and through 105 Louis van Gaal Positional Practice
30 Give and go 108 3v3 Central combination game
31 Threaded pass 111 Creating dominance with individual possession
32 Terminology 114 Switching through the central player in a 4v4+1
117 Switching play through a 5v5+4 rondo
120 5V5+5 TRANSITION GAME
35 Practice type 123 7v7 Possession game with a 3v3 in the central area
126 6v6 Possession game with width
38 Individuals 129 Progressing the ball through a midfield three
132 3v3+4 Possession game
42 Coaching detail 135 5v5+4 Using depth to support possession
138 4v4 Press and Switch Rondo
47 Sessions 141 3v1 Finding the spare side
144 The classic 4v4v4 practice
48 DEALING WITH THE COUNTER-ATTACK IN POSSESSION
147 Dominating the octagon with an 8v4
51 4V4+3 SQUARE RONDO - DOMINATING WITH REDUCED WIDTH
150 Breaking of midfield into a counter-attacking moment
54 Finding the central player to overload and play forward
153 OVERLOADING A MIDFIELD THREE THROUGH WIDTH
Using possession with the intention of playing through the
57 opponent
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DOMINATING POSSESSION WITH PURPOSE
EXPECTATIONS
Expectations are an important factor in many different moments of life
including coaching. It is no different when you order yourself a new coaching
book to challenge and improve yourself. Your expectations of this book
should be high, but it is important to understand how this book can help you,
support you and play a role in developing you. The book will look to provide
you with some theoretical information about possession in the game and
how it is used. This theoretical information should allow you to use the
information to improve and educate your practice design.
The second part of the book will provide coaches with a bank of sessions
that can help them deliver new ideas to players. However, we will try to
provide you with reasons as to why to use the session. Different practices
shouldn’t just be thrown together to ll time. The session should have
structure and a clear reason as to why exercises are performed.
Overall the book should provide coaches of all levels and abilities with a
theoretical and practical demonstration of what good practice looks like and
how it can be used to develop your players and teams providing them with a
better understanding of how to stay on the ball. Then how to use the ball to
progress the ball through the pitch and turn possession into a goal-scoring
opportunity.
Finally, the book should be enjoyable to read and easy to follow. It should
motivate coaches to want to try new practices and create a thought-
provoking mindset that challenges the way we train and the way we see the
game.

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START WITH WHY?

For every coach, the thought should always be why? Why are we performing
this exercise? Why are we performing this exercise for this period of time?
Why am I giving this coaching point? These are all important questions when
we are coaching, it is the why that helps us nd the purpose, and the
purpose ensures that the practices are meaningful in developing young
players.
It is the rst question we must answer within this book, what is the purpose
of possession? Once we are able to understand the value of possession and
what purpose it holds within our game, we can start to devise and create
practices to support this.
The purpose is de ned as ‘The reason for which something is done or

created we have to ultimately believe, that possession’s purpose is to win
games. Everything we do within the game (at a competitive level) must play
a part in a team’s desire to be the best version of themselves and have the
greatest opportunity to win games.
Winning is most certainly not the only purpose within football, but it will be an
important purpose for many coaches, especially those working within
competitive environments. For those of us who are working in development
environments, possession might be a purpose of technical development.
Trying to expose players to longer periods of possession and greater
opportunities to receive, retain and pass the ball under pressure from the
opponent.
Possession may also have greater tactical demands for your players. How
do they create space to receive the ball? How do they maniple the opponent
to create passes in different pitch areas? How is possession used to
progress the ball through the thirds?

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HISTORY OF POSSESSION
As time has changed, so have the playing systems and approach of teams
across the world. In England, the Premier League has shown some of the
biggest changes since its inception in 1992. Although possession statistics
are hard to come across from that era, we know of its more direct and less
possession-based approach. This is down to many factors, including tactical
development and the standard and quality of the playing surface and ball.
Even in the last 12 years, we have seen signi cant changes to the team’s
attempts to play passes when in possession of the ball. In 2006/07,
Manchester United dominated the Premier League and set a record 18,723
passes in a total season. Jump to 2021/22, and Manchester City have
broken the 26,000 mark, whilst ve teams in that season had more than
19,000. Signi cantly, even the most direct teams in the Premier League play
more passes than the teams of the early 2000s, with Burnley having played
20% more than Watford, who were bottom in 2006/07.
Another in uence for the increase in possession would be the in uential

Barcelona under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, whose tiki-taka approach
played a key role in a revolution in European football. Guardiola’s
Manchester City have paved the way for possession in English football.
Manchester City were able to hold more than 70% Possession and have
managed to win the league title with an average well over 66+ for several
seasons. They have even managed to win games with a dominance of over
82% against Swansea City in 2019.
However, to offer a fair re ection, it is worth noting that Chelsea beat the
famous Barcelona team whilst having just 21% possession. This does show
that possession does not guarantee a victory but can play a role in the
chances of winning. We will look into this more as the chapter progresses.

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Whenever we look at statistics, it is important that we try to understand what

they mean for us, and how we can use them. Statistically speaking, it is
claimed that possession doesn’t become a factor in winning until 57%
possession is achieved, until that point, it is inconclusive. However, that is
supported by some more evidence from recent league winners. It has been a
recent trend within the game that league winners have on average 57% of
possession in their domestic season.
This further proves that although it is possible to win without dominating

possession, statical limitations will exist. In Europe, it looks like the winners
of major league titles will usually have around 60% dominance of the ball.
Now it is important to point out that the dominance of the ball will not be the
only reason that they win league titles. The best teams will often have the
most resources and in turn, have the best players. The best players will often
be technically able to dominate the ball. Whilst the sides with the least
resources will often resort to becoming compact and defensively secure to
ensure that they can compete with better-resourced teams.
These trends are also similar in elite competitions in Europe, the Champions
League winner in 2009/10 had only 44.6% possession, and in 2011/12 the
winner only had 47.6%. Both of these teams rank in 20th position and below
for possession. In more recent years the winners have usually come to have
more than 50% possession, but signi cantly less possession on average
than the 57% stated in our research.
The signi cant difference between the two might be the type of competition
that this is. In league football, the teams play 35+ games, and a statistical
pattern is more likely to occur than in a competition that is largely a knock-
out competition. The consequences are much higher for having a poor
result. This might lead to possession being less important in knock-out
competitions compared to league matches. This is because teams can
prepare and adapt for one of the situations that are played under different
pressure and circumstances to normal league games, and statistically
speaking the randomness will be larger in one game.

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As we can see so far possession has some link to winning at a professional

level, however, it will also be complicated to claim that possession is the
reason that ‘winning’ occurs. Ultimately a team’s ability to win a game of
football will be a complex and layered response. However, we can say that
statistically speaking, teams who win leagues tend to have higher amounts
of possession. This is as previously mentioned, a statistical trend and not a
hard and fast rule, there will always be outliers in data.
We’ve already mentioned how winning isn’t the only outcome in football,
especially In development football. In this environment, we want to expose
our players to a varied programme that challenges them to be the best
version of themselves they can be. Possession naturally challenges players
to perform actions with the ball more frequently, thus giving them a greater
opportunity to develop technically and tactically. The idea of keeping
possession will naturally give our players more and more time to stay on the
ball, this is evident in Premier League statistics where players such as Joao
Cancelo have achieved nearly 4,000 touches in one season.
If we switch this to a decade earlier where teams had less possession,

Danny Murphy had the most touched with less than 3,000 touches per
season. For a development model, this can give us another purpose for our
desire for possession. For a young player, this means more opportunities to
pass the ball, improving their technical understanding of how to play different
passes, but also providing tactical detail to young players who are seeing
different passes and different situations constantly.
Young players will naturally get more time to 1v1 in possession-based

systems if the coaching environment is right. Players will have the
con dence that they are allowed to give the ball away, mixed with the tactical
detail of where it might be more useful to 1v1. This should build players who
are technically effective in 1v1s, because of the high transferability of their
skills being realistic. Mixed with the tactical understanding developed from
playing within realistic game situations, these players should develop and
grow quickly.

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Other technical skills are also challenged when increasing a player’s time in
possession of the ball. Players are forced to try and stay on the ball and
develop their receiving and retaining skills. In a team with increased
possession, players will be receiving possession more often, and will
naturally be more skilled in learning to protect it, defend it and prevent the
opponent from pinching it. These receiving and retaining skills are very
critical and also form a key component for any player.
An increased time in possession should also allow our players to develop an

increased understanding of the in-possession principles of the game and the
club-speci c principles of the game. In order to keep possession of the ball,
players must show an understanding of width, depth, and balance. They
must also learn how to penetrate the opponent and how to progress the ball
through the thirds. If a team are effective in possession, then they must also
show understanding of the transition both in a defensive and attacking
sense.
The transition should always occur in practice no matter the topic. Transition
is critical to learning to dominate the ball. We must have players who
understand how to exploit the opponent during an attacking transition, if we
win the ball from the opponent, how do we attack them? Is there space to
play through them, if yes, can we do this instead of staying on the ball? But
also it is critical that our players understand how we prevent the opponent
from counter-attacking us.
If our players are always focused on their role with the ball, they will leave
spaces and opportunities for the opponent when possession is lost (we will
lose it). This is why within nearly all of the practices, a transition occurs. We
must be able to challenge the players to self-organise and understand how
to go from a moment of ‘disorganisation’ to a moment of ‘organisation’. This
is a critical moment in any game, for any team. If we give the players the
opportunity to always play with structure and organisation, they won’t
understand how to create it and how to maintain it. The learning needs to be
meaningful and organic.

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EXTENDED
PRINCIPLES OF
PLAY
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COACHING PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
When coaching a side to maintain possession of the ball, you need to in fact
rst forget about keeping the ball. You need to focus on helping the players
to understand the key principles that help a team to keep possession of the
ball, then work to reinforce, support and engage with these principles. The
Width Depth
Balance Penetration
In possession principles
Creativity Retention /
support
Movement Improvisation
model displays some of the principles associated with being in possession of

the ball, of course we have added extra to list off those commonly stated but
the point should be very clear, you need to have your own core principle and
then train and grow these with your players.
Width, for example, is going to be a principle of attack for nearly all coaches
worldwide. So it is important that our practice design and the constraints on
our practice try to expose players to the bene t of width organically, this way
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they for themselves can see how width can in uence a game, and how they
might use it for greater bene t. Width often stretches the opponent and
forces them to defend much larger spaces. For example, if we split the pitch
into ve different lanes horizontally, and then occupy all ve with the ball, it
makes the opponent’s job dif cult to defend against. As the image below
shows, these lanes can be used as a reference point to help players
understand their role within a system. The outside lanes can be known as
the outside channels or lanes one and ve. The inside channel is sometimes
known as the half-space or lanes two and four. The central channel is
sometimes known as lane three. These lanes can help develop an
understanding of width within a system, and will careful placement of
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cones to reference the lanes, players will begin to naturally create width.
However, it isn’t the only bene t of using ve lanes in possession. Players
will start to use the central three lanes to position themselves and create
more passing options. With players covering all ve lanes, we are more likely
to nd forward passes through the opponent’s shape. As the diagram below
shows the player in possession has greater passing options because all ve
passing lanes are being used. This naturally stretches the opposition and
starts to create gaps between their player. This in turn provides more
attacking opportunities to attack and exploit the opponent. This provides an
opportunity to penetrate, by using the width as a principle of possession.
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When talking about in-possession principles it is also important to talk about

depth. This is a fundamental principle of play that creates space in the team
shape that allows for the ball to be maintained with vertical dominance within
the eld of play. This means that there is space vertically on the pitch for
possession to be maintained. Without depth, the game can become very
compact and it can become very dangerous.
When a team lack depth in possession, they often struggle to nd space and
time in possession of the ball. This is because they are so compact in their
shape, the opponent nds it easier to apply pressure and be aggressive in
their press. Teams who have the ability to provide depth in the attack are
more likely to be able to play around an opponent’s press, because of the
spaces between units.
Penetration
As the above images show, when the side in possession of the ball,
effectively uses all of the space available to them, they are able to create
gaps and opportunities in the opponent’s shape. When looking to control
possession of the ball, we naturally want to isolate opponent players and x
ourselves into the best positions to stay in possession of the ball and
progress the ball forward. As we can see in the image to the left, the
opponent has to be very aware of the space behind them, so they have to
drop and protect it. On the right, they can stay aggressive with no threat
behind
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When focusing on in-possession principles it is hard to talk without

mentioning the importance of penetration. This is how we break the
opponent and progress the ball forward. Penetration can occur in many
different ways, it is not just simply running in behind. Penetration is the ability
to exploit space between, around and beyond the opponent with and without
the ball. It can happen in any area of the pitch, with many different actions.
We ask our defenders and goalkeepers to display penetration when they

look to play through the opponent in the build-up phase. We ask our mid eld
players to split lines and look to play passes through the opponent. We also
ask mid eld players to run with the ball and attack the opponent. These are
all forms of penetration that exist within the game.
Above we can see two very different but helpful ways to penetrate an
opponent. The rst shows the central-mid eld player beating his or her
opponent and then looking to run into the space behind. The second shows
the centre-back looking to play forward early and then playing a forward
pass into the feet of one of the two strikers. Penetration is key in an invasion
sport, some coaches have used ‘packing data’ as a method of recording who
penetrates the most space and opponents during a game. In order to break
the opponent down, we must penetrate them and attack the goal.
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Retention has been included as a principle within our extended in-

possession principles. We need players to understand when to keep the ball
when they aren’t able to penetrate and don’t have the ability to play forward
in the game. Retention is the ability to keep the ball, stay on the ball and
protect the ball when the game requires it. We will often be in situations
where retention is needed, and this can be for many different reasons.
Firstly, we might want to retain the ball to relieve pressure, if the opponent
has had a period of success and have been on top. We can use retention as
a method to calm the game, tire the opponent and begin to nd dominance
within the game.
We can also use retention as a method of moving the opponent around

when we haven’t been able to nd a forward pass. Our opposition might
have a really effective defensive block that is hard to break down, so we use
retention as a method of continuing to search for the attacking moment that
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as you can see within the yellow space in the middle of the pitch. The rondo
practices we create, help replicate moments within the game.
Rondo practices help players recognise how to play against players, how to
play under pressure from opponents and how to nd support around the ball
to maintain possession. In the example image below we can see how the red
has come under pressure from the blue and has turned to try and stay on the
ball. At this point, the principle of ‘retention’ is so key. It doesn’t just in uence
the player on the ball, but the player around and away from the ball as well.
Firstly the players around the ball are looking to create passing options that
can release some of the pressure on the ball carrier.
Secondly, those further away from the ball have a duty to support the player
in possession as well. This might be by creating space by making
movements away from the ball. This might also be by making runs in behind
the opponent to allow the player to play into the space behind If there is no
other option. This might not sound like a natural form of ‘retention’ but it can
be a further option that can support our player with the ball
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We have included improvisation within our extended principles because of

how random invasion sports are. Football is of course random, it allows us to
prepare and preparing is important. But our players must understand that the
plan is only our intention, it will not work word for word and detail for detail,
there is still huge importance on being able to make effective decisions. The
randomness of football means that at times players will be forced into
situations that they do not expect, this can be caused by many different
environmental constraints. This is, however, why we use different constraints
on possession practices to help players make effective decisions.
Improvisation can occur because of unpredictable actions from the

opponent, this might mean that the team have prepared to play against a
1-4-4-2 formation. During build-up play, our defenders are expecting to play
against a front two. However, at the moment the opposition is using a
1-4-3-3 formation. This might create an issue where the players on the eld
need to nd an answer to the problem.
Problem-solving plays a huge role in the development of young players, we

are able to support them and help them. But we aren’t able to solve all of
their issues for them. Players have to have a game understanding that
allows them to nd solutions to problems. It is critical as coaches that we
expose players too problems where they need to nd their own solutions,
this ability to problem solve will help them incredibly.
Improvisation doesn’t just occur when the opponent change shape,

improvisation occurs in many different moments throughout the game. For
example, when a set-piece is created and players expect speci c actions to
occur, we might have to accept that something else can happen and that is
okay.
Other situations can occur from technical errors or team-mate errors,

players might make errors that cause delays to attacks or leaves spaces for
the opponent to attack. At that moment your players must be able to view the
game, see the problem and then make a decision with an understanding of
what the risks are, where the problem is and what improvised strategy they
are willing to use.
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Within our extended principles, we have used the term ‘movement’ this is a
broad term to include the movement of players without the ball as an
individual and how players move in relation to each other. Movement around
the ball is important to allow the other principles to occur. For example, we
need players to make movements to support the ball carrier to allow the
team to stay on the ball. These small movements to allow ball circulation is
absolutely pivotal. This movement might just be two meters away from an
opposition player.
These little movements are critical

in allowing players to pass the ball
to a player. By moving away from
an opposition player, you are able to
receive possession of the ball. The
example to the left shows how just a
small step either way can change
the picture for the player in
possession. In this example, we can
see how the player to the right is
just one meter further to their right,
shuts the receiving angle and limits
the red’s opportunity to stay on the
ball.
The example of the ball carriers on

the left just shows how different the
receiving position is. This player is
just one meter to their left and has
now cut out the blue defender and
has allowed the reds to progress the ball forward through the thirds. This
isn’t the only form of movement. We also see players make different
movements of the shoulder of the opponent to create space for themselves
and the players around them. Understanding how your movement in uences
and affects the players around you. A player can make a movement that
positively opens space for another player to receive possession of the ball.
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The second image shows how the movement of players can open space for
other players. Here we can see the red looking to run in behind and drag the
blue player to come with them. This then opens up another pass to a wide
player who can then attack the space in the wide area. This shows how
players must be aware of how their movement can in uence and affect the
players around them.
This can be trained in rondo

practices by using an effective area
and a realistic positional setup.
Then we need to challenge the
inside players to make movements
away from the ball that can drag the
opponents away from the centre of
the pitch and allow our players to
move the ball from end to end.
This is not different to what we want

our central players to try and
achieve in the 11v11 game. This
would be very similar to trying to get
a centre-back to nd the feet of a
striker by getting the central player
to peel into the outside space and
drag a mid eld player from the
opponent away.
We must also remind players that they can make movements in different
directions. We can move vertically and horizontally across the pitch, and
each movement can have a different in uence on the space and players
around the moving player. Horizontal movements can open up vertical
spaces by moving across the pitch and dragging players out of compact
areas. Vertical movements can open horizontal space by moving players
higher or lower than the ball. Then opening passing lanes on the same line.
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Movements between players are also a key component, these rotations help
open space in different areas to help progress the ball through the thirds.
Rotations are used in the defensive third to try and help build up play. In
mid eld, we use rotations in order to open space up in the centre of the
pitch, this might be the rotation between six, eight and ten in the mid eld. In
the wide area, it could be the rotation between the full-back and wide player.
In the attacking third, we often see rotation between nine and ten to try and
disturb the opponent’s defensive line.
The three images above show some different rotations that can help a team
keep possession of the ball. The rst rotation shows how a mid eld player
makes a horizontal movement to allow a vertical pass into the feet of the
striker. This is a great rotation to open space in the centre of the pitch.
The second image shows a simple rotation to create space and allow the
ball to be progressed through the defensive third. One centre-back spins out
into the open space, and then the wing-back drops into receive in the space
left by the centre-back. This rotation can allow a team to keep possession of
the ball and progress through the thirds.
The third image shows an important rotation, this is where the wide player
makes a movement in front of the opposition’s full-back. This attracts them
into the central space, looking to follow the run. However, this opens up
space in the space created, now our full-back can run into the space and
look for threats behind.
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Creativity plays a huge role in the game, we love to watch creative players
who are able to confuse and beat opponents when nobody expects it.
However, we as coaches coach predictability. We expect players to behave
in ways we will be able to predict. This means we must be comfortable with
letting players try things, creativity doesn’t mean success at times, there will
be moves made that won’t work, and the ball will be given away. Though, if
we want to have players who are unpredictable and hard to play against, we
have to accept the positive and negative sides of creativity.
Creativity can occur at any moment of the game when in possession.

Goalkeepers can be creative in their distribution. They can disguise the
location of their passes and look to play into areas the defenders did not
expect. The goalkeeper might be creative in the technique they use to try
and play through the opponent, creating a pass to help the team play
forward.
Defenders are often creative in the way they receive the ball, they receive
under pressure from the opponent and use a creative receiving technique to
get away from the opponent. We often see full-backs use a creative element
of disguise to play passes into mid eld players when they are looking to play
down the line. We might also see them use a creative beat-the-man move to
cut the opposition player out of the game and attack the space.
Mid eld players are also creative in many elements of their performance,
from wide players who are looking to beat their opposite number and attack
the box. Too mid eld players who look to be creative in their movements and
exploit the space in the middle of the pitch. Some players will display
creativity in mid eld areas, however, these are all forms of creativity.
Attacking players are also able to perform creative actions with the ball.
Good attackers know how to be creative in the way they receive the ball in
order to manipulate the opponent to create a nishing opportunity. Attackers
can also be creative in their nishing technique to allow them to nish in
situations where scoring is seemingly dif cult or unlikely.
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Balance is arguably the most important principle of play. Like anything in life,
balance is usually the answer, and in football, it is no different. When our
players have possession of the ball, they are naturally looking to attack and
dominate the opponent. However, the best players can think about both what
they can do with the ball. And what could happen if they lose possession of
the ball?
So players are thinking about how I can support the attack without leaving
the team at risk of being exposed during the transition. We want players to
have balance in their minds, they need to be thinking forward about how they
can attack the opponent, but they must also be aware of the risk of losing the
ball. If I lost the ball here, would the opponent have a great opportunity? Is
there balance behind the ball?
The balance behind the ball is also a team factor. Does our system have a
structure that can prevent the opponent from counter-attacking us at pace. If
the ball is lost on the halfway line, what is behind the ball? What are the
responsibilities of the system when in possession? Have you coached the
players to understand their positional responsibilities when the ball is
progressed through the thirds.
The image to the right shows how a

player in the middle of the pitch
offering balance might choose not
to run through the space and join
the attack because they are the
defensive balance the team needs.
If this player attacks and looks to
run behind and the opponent wins
the ball. We might see a counter-
attack where our players are
exposed and at risk.
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Types of
possession
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DIFFERENT TYPES OF POSSESSION
Possession is an important part of the game and will be a factor that is

important for every team in the world. However, we must understand what
different components make a team effective in keeping possession of the
ball. We have to understand how to create a team that can keep possession.
The detail and the complexity are how we train players to be effective within
a system. Simply telling players to pass to each other won’t have the long-
term in uence you want it to have on players.
You have to see the team as the system, the units as the sub-systems and
the players as the sub-sub-systems. We must work on all of the elements to
complete the system. The individuals must have the technical skills to
receive the ball under the pressure of the opponent or even be willing to
receive the ball on an opponent. We must have individuals who know how
to turn the opponent’s pressure into opportunity. Pressure from the opponent
leaves space and we can use space as an opportunity. Our individuals must
also be technically capable of playing passes over different ranges, with the
technical detail that allows for the ball to be maintained.
We also need players who are tactically capable of creating space. Players
must be able to make movements that put them into positions that allow
them to receive the ball. Players must also be able to also create space for
other players, making intelligent movements that move the opposition
around and allow the progression of the ball. In senior or older players, we
must also ensure that our movements do not block passing lanes and that
we understand the tactical requirements of our shape and system. How does
the coach want us to play, and what type of movements and rotations can
occur within the shape and system to allow the ball to be progressed.
For units, there are requirements when trying to maintain possession of the
ball. We have to have a clear tactical understanding of what is wanted from
the coach for the unit if we look at a defensive unit if a centre-back overlaps
and breaks out. What problem does this cause behind the ball? What
quantity of players could the opponent break with? Who will fall into the gap.
Players must then recognise the distances between players and units behind
the ball. This is all key unit detail that will allow a side to keep the ball with
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clarity and control. These are important components of being a possession-

based team, with the ability to penetrate and expose the opponent with
minimum risk.
There are also important unit decisions in mid eld players. These players
regularly have to make decisions as to the shape of their unit and the output
it is giving to the game. For example, how does the unit operate and adapt to
the opponent’s shape. How do the six, eight and ten within a 1-4-3-3 rotate
to disrupt the opposition and create purpose within the period of possession.
The unit might need to understand how to rotate within its shape to allow the
ball to be played forward. For example, within a mid eld three, they might
need to rotate the six and the ten to allow the ball to be progressed. Or the
two deeper players might need to change to become one deeper player and
two higher players.
The attacking unit has a similar duty, when playing with a front three the
players can switch positions to try and disturb the opponents attacking line.
This is an effective way of causing chaos that allows for success and control
in the nal third. We might also need an intelligent attacking unit to recognise
how to always create depth within the team shape. For example, if the
number nine drops into receive possession of the ball, it might take then ten
or a fellow striker to hold a position at the top of the shape in order to allow
for the depth of the shape to be maintained.
These same units might be responsible for recognising when the other units
need support if the mid eld unit is underloaded by the opponent’s shape. A
player in the attacking unit might recognise this and have a response. It
might be to run in behind and encourage the ball to go forward earlier. Or the
reaction could be to drop into the overloaded area and make the numerical
advantage disappear.
As we can see in all of the units, the players need to be able to recognise
problems in the game and nd solutions on the move in order to be effective
units. Problem-solving is a key component in keeping possession with
purpose. The purpose has to be understood by the players, and then they
need to nd the solution that supports the purpose.
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Team Possession is another challenge and important challenge, this is

understanding have the collective and the system is able to function with the
ambition of keeping possession with the purpose of scoring. We need the
collective team to understand our principles in possession, these might be
our extended principles of play, mixed with your own personal principles. So
you might want to attack through wide areas, when the collective keeps
possession how do they keep it with the intent of exposing the opponent in
the wide areas.
Tactical systems link to the team’s ability to keep possession. For example,
the players as a collective must make decisions in line with the playing
system in order to manipulate the opponent to assist them in keeping the
ball. The tactical detail is critical to ensure that the units or sub-systems work
together with an understanding of what needs to be done to move the ball
forward. This will include movement across units that don’t compromise the
defensive balance of the collective.
The image to the right shows how the units must understand how the others
move. Here we can see a centre-back is looking to move into the space
ahead and support the player in possession of the ball. This in isolation
might seem reckless, and leave a huge space within the defensive unit.
However, we need to challenge our mid eld players to recognise the lack of
balance in the defensive areas, and then make movements accordingly to
ensure that the opponent can not
counter-attack.
More speci cally the collective must

understand the strengths and
weaknesses of the opponent and
how to exploit them, system on
system how we penetrate and break
the opponent down. This decision-
making model is consistent through
individual, unit and team.
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Passing
Combinations
28

DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS
Within football combination play is very important, the game is built around a
team’s ability to move the ball through the opponent and into the opposite
goal, simple really. We are going to look at a few different types of
combination play that can help your team progress.
Up, Back and Through
The rst is a very popular set of

combinations that are used to move
the ball through the opponent’s
lines. The up, back and through
combination is used to try and
unlock space behind the opposition.
It involves three players performing,
rstly the ball is passed forward,
usually to a play under pressure.
That player xes the opposition
player and attracts pressure from
them. That player then sets the ball
back to another player, who then looks to pass the ball behind the opposition
shape, to a player who is looking to run behind.
The player is attacking the space created by the player who received the
rst pass. This is an effective method of playing through an opponent and
getting into the space behind. It can also be used in many different areas of
the pitch. Players regularly use these combinations to exploit full-backs who
are locked into 1v1 battles. But they can also be used to penetrate the centre
of the pitch when the opponent is playing within a block.
Teams and players often nd it dif cult to stay with runners, one of the most
common defensive errors is to not following the opponent’s run. At this
moment we are essentially testing the opposition’s defender to see how
willing they are to follow the run. (In our picture this would be the run of our
full-back, will their wide-player follow). If nobody follows the run,
consequently we have exploited the space behind.
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Give and Go
This is another really simple

combination to use, this is a
combination involving two players.
Firstly a player passes the ball
forward to a player who isn’t able to
play forward, this player is locked
into a dual with an opposition
player. This player then holds the
ball, attracting the pressure of the
opponent and creating space
behind
The rst player (who played the

pass) now looks to make. Run
beyond the player who has
possession of the ball. Before
receiving the ball back from the
player in the space behind the
opposition. This is a simple way to
overload the opposition and create
the opportunity to play forward with
the ball.
These moments can be trained

within possession practices, players can be encouraged to ‘ x’ the opponent
by isolating them in 1v1 moments before releasing the ball to players who
are looking to run beyond them. Simple terminology and encouragement of
these behaviours will help players demonstrate them. ‘Think Forward, Pass
Forward, Run Forward’ is a simple saying to help remind players of the
importance of a positive mindset and a forward-thinking mentality. It is this
mentality and approach that we must train, we always want our players to
have possession of the ball and think, how can I run forward? Where are the
spaces? Where are the opportunities for me within this game?
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Threaded Passes
Threaded passes are another opportunity for our players to play behind the
opponent. Threaded passes are an effective way to exploit the space behind
the opposition with a delicate and technically viable pass. Threaded passes
are often the key ingredient within a goal, a mid eld player threads the ball
through the opponent’s defensive line and the striker is able to run onto the
ball and score.
This type of pass is dif cult to replicate and train but requires an individual
who is capable of ‘scanning’ and
reading the opponents positioning.
It also requires a striker or attacker
who wants to run in behind. The
striker has to be looking to play on
‘The Shoulder’ of the opponent
and then look to attack the space,
knowing the player in possession. Is
capable of playing that pass.
In order to play that pass, we need

to expose players to problematic
and compact areas, where attacking
the goal is dif cult. Then our
‘creative’ players can nd unique types of passes than can expose the space
behind the opponent. The passing player needs to use disguise in order to
play this pass, they might not look into the area they are passing the ball.
This will make it less obvious to the defenders where they are thinking of
passing the ball. Then when they least expect it, the ball is threaded into this
space.
Using this type of pass, we use many different components of our extended
playing principles. We must have the width to stretch the opponent and
create the gaps, we require depth to have a passing option. Then we also
require creativity from the individual to play the pass.
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Terminology
32

TERMINOLOGY
Within this book, there are lots of different terms used to describe different
moments of the game. Different coaches have different vocabularies and this
section is just going to explain some of the terms used and what they mean.
Our coaching language will likely be different from the one you are used to, it
is common from club to club that coaches will use different words for the
same thing. For example, a one-two might be known as a bounce pass or
two’s in another club. We just want to provide transparency and clarity on
what we are training.
Bounce Pass - This is where two

players simply play a one-two
between themselves. This is
sometimes known as a wall pass, a
one-two. This type of pass is used
to try and keep the ball moving
when the opportunity to play
forward might be limited.
Pivot Player - This is the deep-lying

mid eld player. Within a mid eld
three, this is the player that often
sits deepest and looks to protect the
defensive unit. This player often has
different names but is a pivot player
within this publication.
Fix an Opponent - This is where a

player looks to play against an
opposition player who is behind
them. They then look to attract the
pressure of this opposition player
and make them stick with them.
This might leave space or move the
opposition out of the area they want
to be in. This is commonly performed
by Guardiola's wide players, who x players in the inside channel.
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TERMINOLOGY
Half-Space - The half-space or inside channel is shown within the below

image. It represents a speci c lane within the eld of play, this is often
referenced to try and help players gain positional understanding. This is
sometimes used in possession-based systems as a reference point, and
other times it is used as a tool to aid positional play.
Spin - This is where we challenge a

marked player, to spin out of a 1v1
by using their body to manipulate the
opponent and spin into the space
behind
Pin and Spin - This is the

combination of xing an opponent
(pin) and then spinning the
opponent. We use the term pin and
spin to ensure the terminology we
are using with the players is
rememberable and valuable. Here
we really want attacking players to
feel for contact and then look to spin
in behind the opposition player.
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Practice
type
35

PRACTIC TYPE
When training possession we use different types of practices to try and

develop our players. Although many of them are similar each type of practice
has a slightly different structure for a slightly different reason. Although at
times practices can t into two or three categories, generally a practice will
only t into one.
Each type of practice will try to train a different moment of the game, some
will be more realistic than others, whilst some provide more repetition.
Deciding if you want a higher quantity of repetition, or a more realistic
practice will be critical, balancing this with the physical demands your
players have.
Rondo Practice - These are xed ELITE COACHING ELITE COACHING
practices where players play within the

area, whilst outside players are xed
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in positions to bring realism and

tactical relevance to the practice.
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Rondo practices are often used to
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develop positional play within a group
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of players. It is possible to train sub-
systems with the practice, allowing
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mid eld units to develop relationships

and understandings.
Half-Pitch Practices - Half-pitch THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
practices are generally a more realistic

playing area, this is where two teams
compete within a tactically coached
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picture, within half a pitch. The teams

can sometimes be as large as 11v11
or 10v8 etc. In these practices, the
coach is looking to develop an
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understanding of how to perform

speci c actions within a realistic
picture.
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PRACTICE TYPE
Small-Sided Game - Some of these ELITE COACHING ELITE COACHING
practices are just simply constrained

Small Sided Games, these are end-to-
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end games where the rules and
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constraints on the practice manipulate
the coaching outcome. Just because it is
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a game, doesn’t mean the practice can’t
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be manipulated and constrained in order
to create a speci c outcome and expose
players to speci c learning moments.
phase of Play - A phase of play is a

larger-sided practice where players are
exposed to a realistic situation within the
game within a larger format, this can
often be 10v11 or 9v10 or even 11v11 in
some cases. The phase of play will not
be the complete playing space and will
have reductions in either the width or
length of the pitch, often both.
Isolated Practice - This is simply a

practice that trains a speci c picture
within a practice that doesn’t have as
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much realism and likely takes place in a

blank space and not a pitch-related
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area.
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These practices might have constraints

on the areas players can play in such as
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channels and lanes, these practices

often offer a larger amount of repetition
for players, but this is at a loss for
realism. ELITE COACHING ELITE COACHING
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INDIVIDUALS
38

INDIVIDUALS
KNOW YOUR PLAYERS
Whenever we work with our teams, we must remember the individuals. Who
are they? What do they need? This is no different. When considering the
fact we want to stay on the ball, we must understand how it in uences
individuals. For some players, this will suit their characteristics. For others
maintaining the ball will be dif cult because of limitations.
For some players, it might be technical limitations that mean maintaining

the ball is dif cult. For other players, it might be the way they play, a desire
to always go 1v1. For others, it might be that physically they nd the
possession moments dif cult. Regardless of the reason, every player can
still play a positive role in the keeping of the ball. We, as the coach, must
just nd a plan to support them and a plan to make them aware of their role.
When individuals have clarity, they are more effective.
For players who struggle technically, it will be worth creating an individual

action plan to support them technically. Find the issues that prevent them
from nding success, then work with the individual to support their need to
improve. This will allow you as a coach to be able to provide an in-depth
and holistic plan to player development. The team will bene t from the
possession-based approach, whilst the individuals will bene t from the
individual development made available to them.
For the other players that have different struggles, try to nd ways to include
them within your system. Each position will have a different responsibility,
you must then try to nd an individual who suits the demands of this
position. Within your group, you will have players who are more 1v1
dominant and creative in their 1v1 moments. For these players, you might
position them effectively to help them nd success and help the team have
the best chance of achieving their principles in possession.
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INDIVIDUALS
KNOW YOUR PLAYERS
Each team will have players will slightly different characteristics, and each
team will also have a system with different requirements. However, there
are some consistent types of players that are available to most coaches.
These are Isolators, Controllers and Overloaders. How you use each type of
player will play a component in your success.
Isolators
These are individuals that love to go 1v1, isolators want to nd an
opposition player within a moment that allows them to attack 1v1. These
players are commonly found in wide areas and can be at times a risk of
possession due to their love of going 1v1. This is not a problem, but it is
something a coach must be able to t within the system. This is because
these players might not naturally be the best maintainers of the ball, but
they do have the ability to win games and destroy opponents.
Controllers
These are players that love to control the game, are comfortable sitting in
deeper areas and like to move the ball and help the team stay in control of
the game. These individuals are often a big help in maintaining control of
the ball but can be limited in their ability to play forward. This is not always
the case but can be a limiting factor with controllers.
Overloaders.
These individuals are intelligent players that can support the team’s ability to
stay on the ball, they understand the technical and tactical requirements of
the game and are able to manipulate their position to cause problems to the
opponent. These individuals can play in different roles and show the ability
to change their position to manipulate the opponent’s shape or system.
These players are commonly found in mid eld positions and can be useful
when building a system built on the possession of the ball.
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INDIVIDUALS
START WITH WHY?
We must also consider the thought process and the complexity of the
problems players face every time they receive the ball. From the edge of the
pitch, the situation might look easy, it is clear. However, for a young player
or any player, the level of complexity that exists is displayed in the model
below. players must think about what they are going to do when they
receive the ball. Whilst considering an unlimited amount of options. This
diagram will helpfully show how a player’s decision-making is not
simple, it is highly complex and only with an environment that
allows constant repetition and creative freedom can it become
more effective.
This means that we as the coach have to ensure the

environment is comfortable, challenging and purposeful
for the players. They must leave having felt the
challenge was adequate, but that they also have
enjoyed taking on the challenge
presented to them.
all
he b
Cro
on t
eive
Drib
Ret
ss
Stay
Rec
ble
ain
Clear
Run with the ball
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Coaching
detail
42

Coaching detail
GET THE DETAIL RIGHT
For any coach, there are many factors that contribute to an effective coach-
player relationship. Session design is very important, how are you able to
put sessions together that suit the needs of the collective and the individuals
within the team. How you can then adapt the practice to help your players
will be a huge factor in your success. However, coaches must be able to get
the coaching detail right, how does your knowledge help the players
improve their understanding of the game.
Through the next few paragraphs, we are looking to help you with some of
the key coaching points and the detail that goes within, for some of the most
important factors within the book. Being a possession-based book, the
majority of the coaching points will be around receiving, retaining, passing
and dealing with pressure from opposition players. We will also explain in
detail some more speci c tactical detail
Double Movement - This is where

a player makes a movement away THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
from the area they want to receive

the ball, in order to move the
opponent away from that area. Once
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they’ve dragged the opponent away, THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
they move back into that area to

receive the ball. This can be used in
different situations in the game to try
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and disturb the opponent and move

them out of the positions they naturally want to play in. Players can
effectively use double movements to create spaces when they nd
themselves in 1v1 moments. If the area is tight and the space is limited,
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they can perform these actions to get away from the opponent.
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Coaching detail
Receiving on the back foot - This is a simple one to explain, when players
receive the ball we encourage them to receive it with an open body position.
This means when they receive the ball they’re facing the side of the pitch,
this way they can see what is ahead of them and behind them. Once they
do this, they need to allow the ball across the body and on the furthest foot.
This will allow them to play forward. Of course, it is not always the right
decision, but when players have effectively scanned, they should then know
if they can play forward.
Passing Detail - Passing detail is something that is often mentioned but

very rarely described. Coaches will use the terminology, but do we truly
understand the detail that makes a pass effective. Ultimately a pass has the
right detail when a player can receive the ball, and is able to play rst time
with it. If the player needs to take a touch to receive the ball, it is often that
the pass wasn’t of the right quality.
Accuracy - a pass must be accurate to nd the receiving player,
without the opponent being able to cut the pass out. However, we can add
to this, what foot does the receiving player want to receive the ball. If we are
passing to a wide player who is looking to play forward, can the passing
player nd the most forward foot of the player to allow them to travel forward
early. If the pass is played in the air, what body part does the receiving
player need the ball to hit.
Timing - The timing of a pass is very important, if a pass is played to
late, the opposition can cut It out. If the pass is played too early the
receiving player might not be ready to receive the ball. When playing passes
into the space behind the opponent, a ball played too late will nd the
receiving player is offside. It is important the passing player is able to see
the movement of players and time the pass correctly, so they’re able to
receive the ball in space, or with the most time possible.
Weight - The weight of a pass is critical, the weight is how much power
is put into the pass. If a pass is hit too hard the receiving player will nd it
dif cult to control the ball because of the unnecessary force put into it.
However, if the pass does not have enough weight, the pass will not reach
the target, and so the opponent will likely step in and pinch the ball before
the
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Coaching detail
receiving player is able to touch the ball. The weight of pass has other
signi cance for through balls, if a pass has too much weight when played in
behind the opponent, the goalkeeper will be able to come off their line and
collect the ball before the receiving player is able to get there. It is also
important that the weight matches the type of pass the passer wants to play.
Some places are intended for the space beyond the player (for them to run
on too), if the weight is too strong the receiving player won’t get there in
time.
Disguise - To disguise a pass is to hide your intentions from the
opponent with what you want to do with the ball, this might be done by
looking to your left and passing to your right. Or by pretending to shoot
before playing a pass to the left or right. Either way, to be able to play with
disguise, players must have awareness of what is around them and the
ability to pretend to perform an action. The disguise is almost acting, it is
trying to sell one thing to the opposition player, and then performing another.
Body Position - This is an important part of the game for any player to get
correct, body position is very important when in and out of possession. From
an in-possession standpoint, players must look to try and play with an open-
body positioning for the majority of the game. The diagram below
demonstrates how opening your shoulders can help you see progressively
high up the eld of play. The yellow and red might have an equal range of
THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
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Coaching detail
vision, but their ability to see forward, and play forward is limited. We want
to encourage a positive body position like the purple player to ensure the
ball can be played forward. Positioning in general is an important
component for any player, nding the positions that allow individuals to play
forward will be key.
Think Forward, Pass Forward, Run Forward - This is made reference to

throughout the book, it Is a set of principles to de ne the way we want to
play. When a player has possession of the ball, can they think forward. This
means, can I nd a forward pass, can I run forward, what are the forward
actions I can in uence the game with. Pass forward, this is a simple
principle of play. If you have the ball are you able to pass to a player ahead
of the ball. Run forward, this is simple we want players to run forward with
and without the ball. If a team-mate has passed the ball forward, others
continue to run forward.
From In-to-Out and Out-to-In - These are two critically important types of
movement, they involve moving horizontally across the pitch from either the
outside channel in, or the inside channel out. These horizontal movements
open vertical space. As the diagram to the right shows, the movement drags
an opponent player into a
position where they leave THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
space for another player to

in uence the game. Both
movements are in opposite
directions with identical
effects. One opens a central
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space one opens a wide

space.
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SESSIONS
47

DEALING WITH THE COUNTER-ATTACK IN
POSSESSION
START WITH WHY?
Use the practice to develop players who are aware of how to deal with a
transition, and can recognise the risk of a transition occurring.
SESSION DETAIL:
The session takes place in the area above, the players play four v four in the
middle area and have six outside players. The practice has four goals two on
each side. The side in possession looks to keep possession of the ball and
score a point every time ve passes are made. However, if the opponent wins
the ball back, they are able to transition straight into the goals and score a
point this way. This means players must be so aware of the potential of a
transition.
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POSSESSION
KEY PLAYERS
This practice trains principle.

The principle of reaction and
dealing with the transition
that has occurred. So this can
be important for all players.
However, focus on playing
central players in the central
areas. This will give them a
realistic position to deal with
a real problem that could
occur.
PLAYERS SPACE BLOCKS WORKING REST TOTAL

14 20x20 4 180 60 16
Seconds Seconds Minutes
Key Coaching Points

• Intensity - Players must be able to perform intense actions through out this
practice. When in and out of possession, intensity must occur.
• Control - When we are in possession of the ball, can our players show control
and keep possession recognising the distances and angles needed to stay on
the ball.
• Awareness - Where are the opponent players? Where is the space? How can
we create players who are aware enough to perform positive actions with the
ball. This will be the key element.
49

POSSESSION
KEY TRAINING MOMENTS
The above training picture shows the complexity of the practice and how the
yellows can create a nishing moment from being e ective with possession
of the ball. In this picture the yellows have used possession well by moving
the ball through their 8v4 advantage. Once the ball has gone wide we have
seen our players demonstrate the principles of play that are so important to
us, they have Looked forward, ran forward and passed forward. Once the
ball has gone wide, it is important to notice the intense movement of the
central player. The player has clear ambition to break into the space behind
and look to score in the outside goals!
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4V4+3 SQUARE RONDO - DOMINATING WITH
REDUCED WIDTH
START WITH WHY?
Use this practice to develop players abilities to keep the ball is tight and
compact playing areas. (Less tactical detail, more technical detail)
SESSION DETAIL:
This session see’s two teams of four compete with three neutral players,
creating a 7v4 in possession of the ball. The space is narrow, so time on the
ball is limited. In here we want players to recognise how to create enough
space to stay on the ball and keep it away from the opposition's four. This
practice should challenge the retaining skills of any player.
51

REDUCED WIDTH
KEY PLAYERS
This practice will be perfect

for any player who has to play
with players around them, for
example players who need a
360 degree awareness of the
pitch around them. This is
mid eld players, or number
ten’s or any other player you
believe will bene t from this
compact exposure

11+ 23x23 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Body Position - How a player is able to receive the ball with their body
protecting the ball from the opposition, or how the position of the body can
disguise the direction of the pass.
• Movement - It almost guaranteed that passing options will need to be arti cially
created because of the compactness. This means players will have to make
movements to pull opponents away from areas to create options.
• Disguise - This will be a running theme through the book, but players must be
able to disguise their intentions to allow the ball to be moved without the
opponent being able to press
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REDUCED WIDTH
The rst image shows a simple

moment that shows the movement of a
player o the ball, to support the team
on the ball. As the yellow receives
possession, the red makes a
movement from in-to-out attracting
the pressure of the blue. This then
allows a forward pass into the feet of
the furthest forward attacking player.
An e ective way of using movement to
unlock space
The second shows a similar picture,

but this time the ball has been played
centrally, before the central player
moves the ball wide. Here, the red has
made a movement vertically, coming
towards the ball. As this happens it
allows the red to receive in a 1v1
position. But also creates space for
the second red to move back into once
the receiving red has the ball.
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Finding the central player to overload
and play forward
START WITH WHY?
Use this practice to try and create players and teams who are capable of
nding a central player to overload the opponent.
SESSION DETAIL:
The session requires a minimum of 11 players. Each side of the practice is a

2v2+GK the side that build-out can look to play through the central player. If
the central player is found during the build-up, the coach can use di erent
rules to allow progression. For example, if the yellow receives the ball, they
can only progress to the next half if the ball is bounced back into a red. Or
allow the yellow to play forward when receiving the ball.
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and play forward
KEY PLAYERS
This practice is key for

central defenders who are
challenged to play-out from
the back and look to stay on
the ball, before looking to
combine with a central player.
This practice will also support
central mid eld players who
want to develop the ability to
play through the opponent’s
lines.

11+ 40x25 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Patience - When looking to play forward and trying to break the opponents
lines, it is important that our players still have patience, we might need to move
the ball in order to create the opportunity to play forward.
• Bravery - To counter our need for patience, we do at some point need bravery.
We need someone who is able to play a forward pass and break the opponents
lines. This ability to know where and when will be very important.
• Disguise - Sometimes we nd ourselves stuck in 1v1’s all over the pitch. When
this is the case, we need to nd a di erent way to break the opponent down. To
do this we often need disguise and creativity.
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and play forward
Here the game picture shows how an up, back and through might be created
to try and play through the practice. The red plays into the central player, as
this ball travels forward, we want to see the second red run forward and play
forward. This creates the up, back and through
In the second game moment, we see how the practice can be adapted to
create a more direct form of attacking. This is where the yellow is able to turn
and play forward. This will create a more transitional practice where players
will be running end to end in a more physical challenge for players
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Using possession with the intention of
playing through the opponent
START WITH WHY?
Use this practice to try and develop a group who are capable of using
possession in order to play behind the opponent.
SESSION DETAIL:
This session is a game taking place on one-half of the pitch. The reds have
an advantage numerically (10v9). The reds are then looking to attack the blues
and combine to use the space behind the blues. The reds have a numerical
advantage and should be able to workout how to use this advantage to exploit
the spaces behind the opponent’s central defensive line of three.
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KEY PLAYERS
This practice is key for wing-

backs. These are the players
that could be spared within
the session design. It is
important that they recognise
how to use this space.
Depending on the shape of
the opponent in games, wing-
backs are often found to be in
space or playing in uneven
match-ups

19 Half Pitch 3 360 60 21
Box Width Seconds Seconds Minutes
Key Coaching Points

• Using The Overload - We must help our players recognise where they have an
overload, where the opponent might be vulnerable. Once we have shared this, it
is important that players themselves discover methods to create space and play
away from the opponent.
• Ambition - To beat the opponent and attack the space behind, there must be a
real ambition to attack the space and be brave enough to create an attacking
opportunity.
• Timing - Once it is possible to exploit the opponent, it is then important that
players move and pass at the right time to exploit the opportunity.
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Attacking the space down the side: Here we can see quite simply how the
up, back and through combination can be used to create and exploit the
space behind the opposition centre-back. This can create a positive attacking
moment.
Attacking through the opponent: This example shows how the same
combination can be used to exploit the space through the middle of the
opponent. The positioning of the front three is very important to create gaps
between the opponents defensive line, and then allow movements between
the spaces.
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Creating the up, back and through
combination
START WITH WHY?
The Up, back and through combination is an important way of playing

through the opponent, this practice can develop it.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a small-sided practice that creates a 6v3 where the side in possession
is looking to switch the ball from end to end using the up, back and through
combination. This is a practice that should provide success and repletion
because of the lack of opposition. This is still an e ective way to help players
develop an understanding of how to use the combination.
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combination
KEY PLAYERS
This practice is e ective for

any player. It develops an
understanding of what an up,
back and through looks like
and how it is created. The
transferability between
players in di erent positions
should be large.

9+ 20x15 4 180 60 16
Key Coaching Points

• Play Forward-Look Forward-Think Forward— These are simple points to
reinforce with players to try and ensure they have a clear understanding of what
we want to achieve. We need players to focus on wanting to play forward, really
focusing on being positive and ambitious with the ball.
• One Touch -When combining with the ball, it is often important that the players
can move it with speed. In order to achieve this, it is often required to be with
limited touches.
• Playing in Space, Playing against an opponent - The most intelligent players
know when to play in space and when to play against an opponent to attract
pressure. 61

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combination
This combination shows how the reds move the ball around the opponent in
order to open space further up the pitch. This shows a really e ective use of
the combination. We can see how a diagonal pass opens up space for a
vertical pass.
This example shows what the practice looks like once play has switched. The
two wide players sprint across to the opposite side, whilst the other players
push into the next zone to mirror what has just occurred on the opposite side.
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6v6+4 positional practice: using the width
to play forward
START WITH WHY?
Use this practice as an e ective way to try and use the width of the pitch to
attack the opponent.
SESSION DETAIL:
The practice is setup with two teams of six playing each other with the
support of four outside players. Two are located at each end as if to create
two central defenders and two attackers in possession. The players within the
central six areas then compete for possession of the ball. Ultimately we want
the players to manipulate the space in order to be able to play forward and
progress the ball through the thirds.
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to play forward
KEY PLAYERS
Mid eld players - These are

the players who be hugely
responsible for the team’s
ability to play the ball through
the thirds. They will ultimately
be receiving the ball in the
most compact areas. If they
are able to play forward in
these areas we will nd the
success we need to be
e ective.

16 45x25 4 300 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Use of Horizontal Space — To be able to attack the opponent, we must have
awareness of the horizontal space, to use this we have inserted three basic
lanes for players to occupy. By using this width we can drag the opposition and
move them into spaces and areas they don’t want to be in.
• Vertical Passes - Once our players are in possession of the ball, we are trying
to create horizontal passes through the lines to attack and penetrate the
opponent.
• 1v1 Dominance - Even when playing in a positionally dominant system, players
must still be able to beat their opponent or stay on the ball and defend 1v1.
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to play forward
Here we can see a demonstration of how a vertical pass can open space
further up the pitch. The opponent player is xed within a 2v1 moment, the
reds e ectively dominate this and then play a vertical pass to a horizontal run.
This example shows how positional dominance can force the opponent to
concede opportunities in other spaces. For example, here the reds have xed
the centre of the pitch and have played into this space to attract pressure.
This opens space in the wide areas that players can exploit to play forwards.
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Being aware of the transition with
possession of the ball
START WITH WHY?
This practice can be used to train players to become e ective in both the
o ensive and defensive transition.
SESSION DETAIL:
This game is setup as a 5v5 in the central area and two goalkeepers at each
end. The side in possession can use their defensive third as a safe zone
where one pass can be played. They then need to make passes in the middle
area, before looking to break into the end zone and score. However, if the
opponent wins possession back they can attack any goal. The end goal is
with ve, whilst the side goals are only worth one.
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KEY PLAYERS
All Players - the practice is

based around a key
component of the game
‘transition’. Training this and
being aware of this moment is
critical for every player. Put
players in realistic positions
and allow them to experience
transition with realism.

12 45x25 3 420 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Reaction, Action, Outcome — To be able to be e ective during both the
defensive and o ensive transition, you must be able to react quickly. Recognise
the problem and perform an adequate response. If the action is correct, the
chances of the outcome being positive are strong.
• Awareness - To be e ective in either transition, you must be an individual who
is aware of the vulnerabilities and risks that are apparent when in possession of
the ball. These players are scanning for defensive balance, for game
understanding and trying to see how the game could change around them.
These players are aware before the reaction, they are aware before.
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The rst picture shows how the use of positive possession can be direct and
e ective. A simple pass in each third will unlock the space behind the
opponent and lead to a goal-scoring opportunity.
The second image shows the element of transition that we expect the
practice design to create. The reds lose possession of the ball and concede in
the wide goal but are e ective at defending the central goal. One challenge to
the practice design might be to move the position of the goals as a
progression, this so the goals are closer to the end third.
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Using the spare player to stay in
START WITH WHY?
This practice will help players develop the ability to ‘stay on the ball’
recognise how protect, rotate and move to secure possession.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a fantastic session that can be used to develop individuals who are
able to stay on the ball, protect the ball and secure possession for the team.
The players play each other 3v3 in the centre, whilst each end player nds
themselves in a 1v1. Each team must look to stay on the ball and know how to
maintain possession when the game is matched up in ve 1v1s across the
pitch.
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KEY PLAYERS
Mid eld Three - This practice

would be perfect for the three
mid eld players within a
system that uses a mid eld
three.
Centre backs - It would also
be useful to centre-backs
who can be more aware of
how to support the team in

10+ 20x40 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Manipulation — Sometimes players become xed in 1v1 battles where they
need to nd a way to stay on the ball and keep the opponent away. To do this
they must be able wriggle and roll, looking to put space between them and the
opponent. Once space is created between the opponent and the ball, then
opportunity to perform other actions is created
• Movement - To dominate the opponent in a practice that has no numerical
superiority, you must be able to move quickly and dynamically. This means as
the ball moves, players move to create space and allow them to receive the ball.
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Here we can see how a player running ‘o ’ an opponent can create the
overloaded needed to play the ball from one end of the practice to the other.
This is a great example of a progressive combination that can open space.
Once the ball gets to the opposite end of the practice, the blues look to try
and press the receiving player. So now the reds have gone end-to-end, it is
Important that they press the end players and try to steal the ball back from
the opponent.
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Manufacturing width to unlock space
centrally
START WITH WHY?
This practice will help players develop the ability to ‘stay on the ball’
recognise how protect, rotate and move to secure possession.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a simple practice that tries to demonstrate the importance of

‘purpose’ within a possession. Can we create a break of the opponent four,
with the use of our ve central players and two wide players. This practice
can be progressed and made more di cult by creating ‘neutral’ wide players
and allowing the middle to become a 5v5.
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centrally
KEY PLAYERS
Pivot Player - This player can

hold their position centrally
and try to play between the
opponent four as the ball
slides from side to side
Wide Players - It provides
them with a picture that
demonstrates how width can
positively impact the spaces
between opposition players

13 40x30 4 300 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Composure — With an overload and a healthy overload at that. The side in
possession need to have composure to play the best pass for the situation.
Move the ball e ectively and play forward when possible.
• Con dence - Players must enjoy the ball, the ball should never be a burden.
When in possession of the ball, they must be con dent enough to lift their head
and look forward. This is fundamental to our players being able to nd success
as a group.
• Penetration - Runs with and without the ball are key to breaking an opponent
down, an overload doesn’t guarantee success if you don’t use it e ectively.
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centrally
Here we can see how the pivot player can be used to cause havoc within the
opponent’s structure. Here he has received between the lines, and then
played into the wide area before scoring (in these examples we’ve
exaggerated the attacker’s high position for e ect)
In the same example, we can see the consequence within the game If the ball
is lost in the central area. It instantly allows the opposition to attack the
middle of the pitch and look to score. This means that again, our players need
to be aware of the potential transitional moments within the practice.
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Developing player awareness though a
constrained game
START WITH WHY?
This practice is perfect for players who struggle to make movements o the
ball to help the player on the ball
SESSION DETAIL:
The practice is a simple game, the space is the majority of a half-pitch with
the width of the penalty-box. Inside this practice, the teams are setup 3v3 on
each side. The goalkeeper plays and the game exists as one, whilst being
divided in half. This means that players have to be more aware of how to
create space and how to manipulate the opponent, with limitations.
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constrained game
KEY PLAYERS
Central Players - Central

players will often have
positional demands attached
to them, this will train those
positional demands and
challenge them to make
decisions to support the
Goalkeepers - How do our
goalkeepers distribute the
ball and support play as the
only players who can freely
cross the line

13 42x40 3 420 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Clarity — Players must have clarity in what we want them to achieve and how
the practice supports them. This was when they play, they should have clarity in
what position they need to take up and the impact of said position.
• Drive - In a space restricted game, players will need to run with the ball and
drive into space to hurt the opponent. We need players who can be brave
enough with the ball to do this.
• Awareness - All players must demonstrate this, but our goalkeepers must live
and breath it. Sharing information and supporting the players ahead of them.
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constrained game
Here is a progression that allows players to cross between the line, as long as
the other player makes a counter-movement. This should develop
understanding between players to drive game understanding.
Here we can see how the opponent can look to isolate the team on the ball.
The red is cutting the switch and forcing the defensive player to drive out of
the defensive and into the attacking areas. This can be an e ective way of
forcing play wide.
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4v4+4 Into the Finishing phase
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice for attacking players to understand the bene t of

‘overloading’ the opponent
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice doesn’t take much explaining, it is a simple 4v4 in the middle of
the pitch, with the support of four outside players. This creates an 8v4 in
possession or a 9v5 including GK’s. The idea of the practice is very simple,
move the ball e ectively to create nishing opportunities. When we do not
have possession, become compact and protect the goal.
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KEY PLAYERS
Number 9’s - Can we

challenge our number 9’s to
play on the shoulder of the
opponents and look to
threaten the space behind
the opposition? Can they
stretch play and keep space
for the possession of the ball
Number 10’s - How to do
our number 10’s use the
space created by the number
nine. Without a good
relationship, this could be
di cult.

14 45x25 4 360 60 28
Key Coaching Points

• Positional Sense — Can our players take up positive positions to stretch the
opponent and use the overload. Sometimes players will move into positions that
block other passing lanes. We want our players to take up positions that allow
multiple passing options `around the ball. These might be ahead of the ball,
behind the ball etc.
• Purpose - Don’t let players become confused with the purpose of the practice,
we want to score. This isn’t about keeping the ball, it is about moving the ball
with a purpose and then nishing when possible.
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In this picture, we are looking to focus on the most aggressive form of

possession we have, and that is the ability to play through a team, quickly
and progressively. This pass will be di cult to play because it requires brave
players who are capable of playing through the opposition and o the
shoulder of the opponent.
The nal moment is even harder to create and train, this is a movement of a
striker from out to in and across the opponent’s defensive line. The starting
position of the two strikers creates a gap between the defenders. Then the
movement from out to in penetrates the space. This then allows our attacker
to have a 1v1 moment with the opponent’s goalkeeper.
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Finding the threaded pass between the
opponents lines
START WITH WHY?
This practice is a good way of showing wide players and strikers how they
might movements from out-to-in or in-to-out.
SESSION DETAIL:
The practice is a small numbered practice involving just seven players.

Although it does have the exibility to work for di erent numbers if needed.
The reds look to keep possession of the ball. They score a point every time
they are able to play a pass to someone who is running through the yellow
box. So if the red goes from the top to the bottom of the practice and
receives in the box zone, a point is scored.
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opponents lines
KEY PLAYERS
Wide-Players - This practice

can be very suited to their
need to make movements
diagonally across. These
movements often go from
out to in (so from the wide
area to the inside)
Strikers - Strikers often need
to make sharp movements
across players to receive the
ball, here we challenge them
and the passing player to
time the movements
e ectively.

7+ 18x40 5 180 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Timing — The timing of the pass and the movement will be critical in opening
the space behind the opposition. The movement must be made in perfect timing
that means the pass arrives in the zone as the player arrives
• Weight of Pass - The weight of pass is critical, if the pass is hit to hard the run
won’t be quick enough to get on the end of it.
• First Touch - The importance of the receiving players rst touch its critical to
success. An e ective pass and an e ective run will only create a positive impact
on the game if the receiving player is able to play rst time.
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opponents lines
We can see an example here of how the ball is moved around the block
before a player makes a run from the blind side of a defender to receive the
ball in the central zone. The timing and touch of the receiving player are
critical in creating success.
Here we can see a great example of a blind side run to receive possession of
the ball. The ball has been played into the rst player, and the runner then
moves away from the defender to receive in a more attacking area. This
demonstrated how we can e ectively break lines and progress the team
forward using possession e ectively.
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Positional central play practice
START WITH WHY?
This practice is an e ective way to train teams and players to play through
central area.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice is a fantastic positional practice to develop players who are able
to play through the centre of the practice. The game is a simple 6v4 with a
slight twist. A 3v2 is created on both sides. However, when the ball is on the
opposite side, one mid eld player can drop into the yellow zone in order to
receive the ball and switch play out to the opposite side. That player then
joins the opposite side, and an opposite player drops in.
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KEY PLAYERS
Pivot Player - It’s a perfect

practice for these players to
recognise when to drop into
the vacant area and how to
play forward after dropping
into the area
Centre-Backs - Can they nd
the spare player during a
build-up play practice. If the
front two block the central
pass, can they move the game
and move the opponent, in
order to open a space for the
central player.

10 18x30 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Timing — The opposition can follow the red player in. This means it is
important they time their movement into the neutral area e ectively. If they
perform it e ectively they will be able to receive and play forward
• Positioning of Unit - If the reds are able to cover a larger distance, they might
be able to create a gap between the defensive unit that is the blue team. They
need to essentially create a gap between the two that is large enough to play a
forward pass.
• Pressure — If the opponent presses it will leave space for diagonal passes to
be played behind the pressing player.
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The rst image just shows a simple pattern of play that could exist to move
the ball from one side of the practice to the other. The reds have combined to
play centrally and have performed this e ectively. This is a simple
demonstration of how the practice could exist.
The second image shows how the practice should develop here the red who
has received is now dropping into creating the 3v2. Another red will drop in at
some point to the central area to play through. To progress this the red who
drops in might have to combine with a player before playing through the black
zone, creating an up, back and through.
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5v5+4 positional transition rondo
START WITH WHY?
A great practice for players who need to train the transitional elements of
the game. Or players who want to focus on their positional responsibilities.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice sees two groups of ve play against each other within the area,
while three neutral players compete to provide an overload and consistency to
the transitional practice. The reds are always In possession and look to play
against the side inside the practice (Blues). Reds and yellows combine when
the blues win possession back, they transition out of the practice into the
place of the yellows and the yellows transition in. The reds don’t move.
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KEY PLAYERS
Pivot Player - It’s a great

practice for the central red to
be the pivot player. This way
the player can receive under
pressure, play away from
pressure and link play from
one side to the other. This is
a signi cantly important task
for pivot players
6,8,10 - the other mid eld
players can also participate in
practices that recreate the
pictures they will see in-game
moments

13 40x18 4 240 30 18
Key Coaching Points

• Speed of play — When playing the side in possession must be able to control
the speed of the game. For example, they might move the ball slowly to attract
pressure. Then it must be moved quickly to play around the space left by the
opponent. This ability to control the tempo of the practice is signi cantly
important in containing possession
• Receiving body position - In order to play through the opponent we must be
able to play as quickly as possible. By receiving the ball across the body, we are
able to increase the speed of play and progress the ball. This might be the wide
player adjusting their body position to receive the ball across them.
88

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Here we can see how the reds and yellows are combining to stay in
possession of the ball. The red has played into the yellow and the ball is
switched wide. We are now expecting to see the blues try to isolate the
opponent and win possession of the ball.
This is the picture if the blues win possession of the ball back. The yellows
instantly look to win the ball and the blues are looking to break to the outside
of the practice. This means the practice is constantly evolving and never-
ending. We are training players to adapt to the transition and be aware of
how to behave when the ball is regained.
89

Transitional 3v3+3 rondo practice
START WITH WHY?
An e ective practice to try and develop relationships between units of three.

This would most commonly be mid eld threes.
SESSION DETAIL:
The practice is a very e ective way to try and develop control within a
constrained and chaotic environment. The reds look to play with the support
of the yellows. The blues are defending until they win possession of the ball
back. Once they regain possession of the ball back they switch with the three
that have given the ball away.
90

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KEY PLAYERS
6,8,10 - This is great if you

are working with a mid eld
three. You can input the three
players into a unit here and
train their behaviours with the
ball and without the ball. It
should in time, create players
who are more aware and
capable of impacting the
transitional moments of the
game.

9 24x16 5 180 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Ball speed — When in possession of the ball, how quickly our players are able
to move it, will dictate our success with the ball.
• Ball striking — Players must be able to play a varied range of passes in order to
break lines. Can our players switch the ball from end to end and hit di erent
areas if needed.
• Timing - Players must time the passes the play and the movements they make.
We want to be able to play through the opponent space, in order to do that we
must be able to time disguised passes and time disguised runs from out-to-in.
91

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This is a great example of how to play through the opponent. The red and
yellow have made counter-movements to open vertical space. The
combination then allows the ball to be moved from end to end. The receiving
position and timing of the run are important for the red.
This is an example of how a loss of possession can cause a change in

practice. The yellows have lost the ball to the blues, there must be an instant
switch between the two units. The yellows are hunting for the ball and the
blues are transitioning out to the outside of the practice.
92

6v3 Positional rondo
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice if you want to use two mid eld players in mid eld
within a mid eld four, or two pivot players in a mid eld three.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a simple 6v3 positional rondo. The reds are looking to dominate
possession with four outside players a 2v4 in the centre of the practice. We
are looking to work on the positioning of the two mid eld players, trying to
ensure they can isolate and disturb the opposition’s mid eld three. If the
blues win the ball they look to keep it against the two in the middle.
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KEY PLAYERS
Central Mid eld Players - It

is important that this practice
trains the mid eld to be able
to play in a match-up against
a mid eld three. This might
be a challenge that two-
player mid elders need to
deal with. This will be a
technical and tactical
problem.

9 18x40 5 240 60 25
Key Coaching Points

• Patterns of Play— Can we recreate di erent moments of the game. For
example this might be build-up pictures that we want the players to see. This
might be the ball going from centre-back to pivot player and wide to the full-
back. This can be recreated in this positional rondo and positional information
can be shared with the players to support their understanding.
• Protecting the Ball— Players can’t always move the ball away from the
opponent, at times they need to protect it, stay on it and shield the ball from the
opponent. With a 4v2 overload in the centre, it will happen at times in the middle
of this practice.
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Here is an e ective example of playing through the opponent’s mid eld by

looking to play in the space left. The red has pulled to the shoulder of the
opponent and broken the rst line. A bounce pass has then allowed a
combination that opens the space behind the block.
This shows how movements aren’t always to receive the ball, sometimes we
make movements to open space for other players to receive the ball. For
example here the blue is defending against two players, when the red makes
the movement inside, it opens space on the outside.
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6v6 Central positional game with finishing
START WITH WHY?
This practice is a great way to practice attacking combinations, that can

lead to attacking opportunities.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice requires 12 players to play within the central area of 4v4 each
end has a 1v1. The challenge is then for the mid eld players to play through
into the end area, combine and score. This means the outside players are
always locked in 1v1’s, they need an additional player to break out of the
central box and create the 2v1 to lead to a goal.
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KEY PLAYERS
Strikers - Strikers require

two skill sets, one with their
back to goal and one with
their front to goal. This
creates a moment where the
ball is played into the red
striker and a player must run
to create a 2v1. How do we
support this within our
attacking players?

12+ 25x40 5 240 60 25
Key Coaching Points

• Hold-up Play— If the ball goes into the feet of the strikers, can they hold the
ball up, maintain possession of the ball, and bring support from another mid eld
player.
• Pin and Spin— This is where we want the number nine to x themselves to the
centre-back, hold the ball up and isolate the defender. If the pin is completed,
we want the striker to try and spin the defender. This means go 1v1 and try and
attack down the side of the defender.
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Diagonal passes can often open up space down the sides of opposition
players. Here we are trying to move the ball diagonally to attract pressure and
create space for the attacker to receive away from the defender.
In this picture, we can see how the ball has been played into the feet of the
striker, and the striker isn’t able to score. This means they need a supporting
run to create a 2v1. The run is made into the space behind and now the reds
can nish in the 2v1 situation. We have also left the original pass to show
where the ball has come from.
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Developing control and avoiding chaos
START WITH WHY?
If you are struggling to develop control within games, and the match has a
basketball like nature, this practice might support the players.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice has a complex playing area but is a simple task for players to
try and achieve. The practice is a numerical 6v6. Two players are locked into
each wide area and the rest of the practice is a 4v4. How do players maintain
control of the ball when the practice area has a constraint that causes chaos.
If we can keep control of this practice, within a playing system it should be
much easier.
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KEY PLAYERS
Centre-Backs - How do they play

under pressure, this will create the
moments where they need to be
calm on the ball and capable of
defending and shielding the ball
from the opponent.
Full-Backs - How do full-backs
stay on the ball when they get
isolated in 1v1 moments. If they
become stuck in the dual. How
can they dominate the opponent to
either stay on the ball or nd
support from a team-mate.

12+ 30x30 5 240 60 25
Key Coaching Points

• Stay on the Ball— Once the ball has been played into a wide player, can they
protect, wriggle and roll to get away from the opponent (if they aren’t able to nd
a pass)
• Turning with the Ball— We need players who are capable of turning with the
ball. They need to be able to turn when not under pressure from the opponent,
but also be able to turn when under pressure from the opponent. Players like
Frankie de Jong have dominated central areas intentionally playing against
players and manipulating them in order to play o them. It is sometimes easier
to beat your opponent when you can see them.
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The rst training moment shows

how the use of vertical passes can
open space further down the
pitch. Here we are looking for a
central player to play a bounce
pass into the feet of the player,
who then pops it o to the
opposite centre-back. Because
the central player attracts the
pressure of the other central
player, the ball is able to be
played vertically into the attacking
player.
In the second image, the same

pattern has been attempted by
the reds. However, there has been
a di erent response from the
blues. The blues are looking to be
more aggressive and attack the
front foot. This will now force the
ball wide, once the ball is wide it
will be down to the wide player to
stay in control and x the
opponent in the 1v1 dual.
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Atletico Madrid possession and defending
game
START WITH WHY?
This practice can be used to work on defensive balance or coaching players

to break lined and focus on ball speed.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice requires 12 players. The practice has four di erent lanes, each
lane contains a 1v1 with two supporting players behind the opposition line. The
idea is for the side in possession (reds) to move the ball across their line,
whilst waiting for the gaps to open between the opposition players. Once they
have broken the opposition’s lines, the ball must be combined between the
two attacking players and nished.
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game
KEY PLAYERS
Central Players - Any player

who plays within a central
area will bene t from taking
place in this practice. They
will be forced to play within
realistic areas and endure
challenging pressure.
Defenders - Any player who
plays within a central area will
bene t from taking place in
this practice. They will be
forced to play within realistic
areas and endure challenging

12+ 18x30 8 120 30 20
Key Coaching Points

• Disguise— This practice is all about playing through opposition lines and
penetrating the opposition’s lines. In order to do this, our players must recognise
how to play reverse passes, how to beat an opponent with disguise and how to
deceive the opponent.
• Weight of Pass— It is pivotal that people are able to play passes with the
correct weight, passes that lack the right weight will be cut out and fail to break
the opponents lines.
• Pressure— It is critical that we are comfortable playing under pressure, when
the opponent applies pressure, it naturally leaves space for our players to attack
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game
This image shows how a diagonal pass can be played into the space behind
the opponent’s defensive line. Once the line has been penetrated, the ball is
passed between the two attackers and nished, before the defenders are able
to recover.
The second image shows the impact of a transition on the game. The ball has
been intercepted and the blues have regained the ball. As this happens, the
blues look to play into their strikers and score, before the reds are able to
regain their shape and control
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Louis van Gaal Positional Practice
START WITH WHY?
This practice can be used to practice penetrating an opponents shape whilst

playing through larger units.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice is a much larger-sided practice. It sees the teams play in an 8v8
structure with two outside players on opposite sides. The reds are setup
within a 1-3-3-2-1 formation whilst the blues have a 5-4-1 formation. The
game will keep switching as possession changes. It is important that players
recognise their positional importance in relation to those players around them.
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KEY PLAYERS
Central Players - This will

challenge players to play
within the pitch without
natural width (Reds). This will
force players to take up
intelligent positions between
players to allow possession of
the ball to be maintained.
areas and endure challenging
pressure.

20 60x40 4 360 60 28
Key Coaching Points

• Penetrating Passes— We must create players who are comfortable and
competent at ring passes into players through opposition lines. We want
players who receive the ball in front of the opposition block, to be able to nd
passes through the block that can expose spaces and gaps in the opponents
shape.
• Positioning— We need players in possession to take up positions that will
cause chaos in and around the opponents shape. We want to see players
manipulate their position, in order to cause problems to the opposition. Playing
on the outside shoulder, or playing in the blind-spots.
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Here we can see how the reds contain possession and look to manipulate the
positioning of the opponent with bounce passes and movements away from
the ball to clear passing lanes. We need to ensure that players are aware of
how to manipulate and dominate space.
The second image shows the progression of possession for the reds. They’ve
looked to drop the ball into the central mid eld player, who has played on the
blind side of the opponent’s mid eld player. Once they’ve received
possession of the ball, can they play to the far end and complete the
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3v3 Central combination game
START WITH WHY?
This practice can support central defenders and mid eld threes to
understand how to play through the thirds.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is an easy to run practice where it is possible to add a goal to both ends
to make it continuous, or leave it with one goal to break the practice down
and repeat the same pictures. Firstly, the reds attack with a 2v1 in the rst
zone, the central zone contains a 3v3, the nal zone is a 1v2. We then want
the reds to.
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KEY PLAYERS
6,8 and 10 - This practice is a

great way to try and train a
mid eld three to understand
how they can use the central
area to play forward or stay
on the ball. Here each player
can only hold one area of the
quadrant at each point.
Rotation can occur between
players.

12-14 25x45 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Central Rotations— What do we want our mid eld players to do in possession
of the ball, how do we want them to behave? This is an opportunity to coach
and implement rotations that expect to see. For example, if you want to play
with two attacking players in your mid eld, how do you rotate to allow the pivot
player to receive possession of the ball
• Progression— We can begin to include our number nine in the practice, if the
10 looks to run in behind, can the nine drop into the space vacated by the
number 10.
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The rst rotation we’ve included is just a simple movement from the pivot
player to start away from the ball and move the ball side to pick possession
of the ball up. This challenges the two opposition players to make a decision
as to who presses and looks to win the ball
Here in the second moment the red has managed to create space and is now
ready to try and play forward. Here the nine is acting as the spring-board
whilst the eight and ten look to make runs in behind and attack the space
vacated by the opponent.
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Creating dominance with individual
possession
START WITH WHY?
Here we are training players individual ability to maintain possession and use
opposition players. Use this to try and dominate 1v1 moments
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice contains 15 players, which involves three teams of ve. Each
team switch roles after every period. Firstly the reds are outside players and
simply pass the ball back to the player who passed it. The second team are
the blues, they have a ball each and are looking to keep the ball from the
yellow that defends against them. Each blue looks to stay on their ball, and
protect it with the use of the outside players. Each pass is a point scored.
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PROGRESSION
New Ball- Now every time a

pass goes into a red, the blue
must go look for another ball
from an outside players
balanced
Teams- Manipulate numbers
to change the challenge, for
example less outside players
creates di erent challenges
for players in possession of
the ball

15+ 40x18 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Stay on the Ball— How do players manipulate their body and the opponent to
maintain possession of the ball. Think shoulders, hips and knees to protect the
ball from the opposition.
• Disguise— In order to create space between you and the opposition the player
must be able to disguise their movements and their actions with the ball. This
might be disguised passes or disguised movements.
• Pass Length— How do you manage the technical demands, with the physical
demands. When do you use longer passes to try and slow the game down and
open up space to make a physical recovery.
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possession
The two images here should just show the moments of the practice and what
happens during them. Firstly we can see the blues have possession and they
are maintaining the ball with the support of the outside players. They would
then receive the ball back, under pressure from the yellows.
During the second image, we can just see what happens when the ball is
played back. Here the blues are making movements to receive the ball. If the
yellows steal possession from their opposition player, it then becomes at the
yellow attacking and the blue defending.
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Switching through the central player in a
4v4+1
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice for looking to develop the ability to attack with an
overload
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice involves 11 players and takes place as a 3v2 on both sides and a
neutral player in the middle of the practice. We want the side in possession to
nd the middle player, then play into the attacking half and score. We can
manipulate the challenge by forcing the build-up team to complete a pass
before playing forward. Or demand that the yellow bounces the ball back
before it goes forward.
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4v4+1
PROGRESSION
Bounce Pass- Now when

the ball is played into the
central player, they must
bounce into a team-mate
before the ball can go
forward. This can adjust for
some of the lack of realism
that occurs.
One Pass Rule- To stop the
ball from going to the end
with no purpose or control.
The players must complete a
pass before playing forward.

11 40x20 4 300 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Movements Forward— Once the ball is played forward into the yellow player.
How do our players support the player in possession to create an overload and
play into the opposite half
• Finishing— The purpose of this practice is very clear, ensure we have the best
opportunity to nish in the nal third by using the overload to create good
opportunities to nish.
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4v4+1
This shows how the bounce pass might be used to unlock the more advanced
space. Here the yellow receives the ball, and the second red makes their
movement towards the yellow as the rst pass travels. The ball is then passed
into the opposite end.
This rotation is the simple overload that we start with. The ball goes into the
red, who plays on the outside shoulder of the blue. The red then manages to
nd the yellow, before the ball goes into the nal third for the manufactured
3v2.
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Switching play through a 5v5+4 rondo
START WITH WHY?
This rondo should be delivered when you are trying to train players to value
the ball and possession.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a practice often delivered to players by coaches around the world. The
practice is split into half, with four outside players. Inside one half is a 5v5.
One side looks to keep the ball, once they make ve passes they can switch
play to the opposite end. However, if the side without the ball wins
possession back, they can play into the opposite end and everyone works into
the opposite end.
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PROGRESSION
Switching through wide

players— We can limit the
ways in which the ball can be
switched from side to side.
For example, we can
constrain the practice so the
wide (reds) aren’t able to
switch play. This means it will
need to be performed by a
central player.

14 40x25 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Breaking the Opponent’s Lines— When it’s time to switch play and our players
are looking to play from one side to the other. Can we encourage them to play
through opposition lines and to the end player. With the correct weight and a
focus on accuracy.
• Receiving Skills— We must try and encourage players to receive in intelligent
ways that can create space from the player they are playing against. The skillet
has to try and support the individual to play beyond the opponent. Can you
receive next to the opponent and then look to roll them. Or are you clever
enough to receive o the shoulder and take a touch in behind the opponent.
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In the rst image, we can see how the yellows are looking to stay on the ball
and maintain possession away from the opponent. It is possible to let them
switch play from side-to-side when a minimum amount of passes have been
achieved.
The second phase of the play shows how the blues can win the ball and
transition to the opposite side. Here the yellows have played a poo pass that
has been cut out by the blues, they are then playing into the opposite red. As
this occurs, both teams will move to the opposite side in order to repeat the
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5V5+5 TRANSITION GAME
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice for developing understanding in controlling

possession and using overloads.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a simple transitional game for a group of 15 to engage within. The

practice is simple, and similar to other practices that demonstrate the
importance of possession and transition. When the reds are in possession,
they play with one of the central teams to create a 10v5. However, when the
ball is lost, the team who give possession away switch with the team who
have won possession. Creating constant transitions throughout the practice.
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PROGRESSIONS
Manipulate Space—
Depending on the players you
have and the success or lack
of success they nd, the size
of the area can be
manipulated to allow for a
di erent challenge.

15 40x25 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Intensity — Whenever we train, there should always be an intensity. However, in
a transitional practice like so, it is even more important that the intensity remains
with and without the ball. This should create opportunity for players to compete
within chaos. If our players can maintain possession of the ball within chaos,
they will have greater success in games.
• Protecting the Ball— Can our players play under pressure from the opposition.
When isolated from team-mates and struggling to nd a pass. Can we
encourage and coach players to protect the ball and use their body to ensure
that the opponent can’t pinch the ball.
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Here we can see how the reds are able to pass from red to red, before the
progression of not allowing this. The reds then look to play with the yellows to
stay on the ball. This also shows how passing lanes have been created.
The second image shows how the overload is used to stretch the blues and
make their role di cult by covering more space than is possible for the side
who are out of possession. Importantly here, the players are attempting to
cover di erent lanes of possession to avoid blocking lanes.
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7v7 Possession game with a 3v3 in the
central area
START WITH WHY?
This is another important practice for developing teams to recognise how to

play in groups of three.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a very useful practice for coaches looking to demonstrate patterns of

play within a mid eld three. The middle of the practice sees two mid eld
threes compete, whilst each team is supported by four outside players in
opposite directions. The middle of the practice is separated into quadrants,
each team can only have one player in each quadrant whilst in possession.
Rotation will be key.
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central area
PROGRESSIONS
Remove Quadrant lines—

Once the players demonstrate
some understanding of the
movements and rotations you
are trying to train with
possession of the ball.
Remove the central lines and
allow freedom, this is a good
way to challenge the players
and see if they have learnt
from their experiences and
the information shared.

15 36x18 5 240 60 25
Key Coaching Points

• Rotation — When playing within the quadrant, can players be aware of the
movements of their team-mates and how those movements in uence and a ect
you.
• Movement— How do your movements within your quadrant a ect the people
around you, more speci cally the opponent. For example, can our player pull
wide to create a forward pass into one of the attacking options.
• Combinations — Once the rotation and the movements are developed. How do
we train the combinations that will help up progress the ball forward.
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central area
The rst example shows how poor rotation can at times limit the opportunity
to play forward because of the lack of depth to the team shape. Here the two
attacking players have dropped in and overloaded, but limited the opportunity
to play forward
The second image shows some more e ective rotation from the blues. Firstly,
the blues play a simple vertical pass through the opponent’s shape. This is
then followed by an out-to-in movement that progresses the ball forward.
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6v6 Possession game with width
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice to develop an understanding of how to use

possession with wide players.
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a great practice to develop progressive possession within a 6v6

practice. We have a narrow practice with isolated wide players. We want to
train the six central mid eld players to understand how they can use the
centre of the area, in order to unlock the wide space. The wide space can
then assist us in moving the ball forward into a goal-scoring position.
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KEY PLAYERS
Wide-Players — These
players play a key role in
creating the overload and
progressing the ball from the
build phase and the nishing
phase.
Strikers — These players
create depth in our practice
and the game. How we use
them is critical. If they fail to
provide depth, we will
struggle to control the space.

16+ 50x40 4 480 60 36
Key Coaching Points

• Combinations — Di erent combinations will allow you to progress the ball
through this practice. The up, back and through combination can be used to
unlock the wide player. For example, if the ball is played not the inside mid eld
player, can they pin the defender and slip the ball into the wide area.
• Finishing — Don’t forget that possession has a purpose, we want to use
possession to unlock the nishing phase. This task is di cult, so once we
achieve it, can we focus on training the nishing phase and scoring goals.
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This picture just shows how the wide player can be used to support play
during the build phase of the game. Here the yellow has dropped to create an
overloaded that allows the ball to be moved through the thirds. The challenge
will be, how the yellows progress the ball once the yellows have dropped in.
The second phase of play tries to demonstrate how the yellow can try to
combine with the red to create a crossing opportunity. The give-and-go
combination requires the receiving player to hold the ball for a period of time
which allows the overlapping player to receive the ball with space and time.
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Progressing the ball through a midfield
three
START WITH WHY?
This is a great session to understand how to create meaningful attacking

moments through a mid eld three
SESSION DETAIL:
The practice is simple to setup, with a 3v3 in the middle of the practice and
2v1s on either side. We are challenging players to simply combine through the
mid eld and into the end zone. Once the ball is played into the end zone, we
can open this area up to create an overload and an attacking opportunity.
This means we can use the striker with maximum realism. This provides our
players with the best learning experience.
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PROGRESSION
Removal of the central

zone — Remove the central
zone and create a game, and
try to see if the patterns are
transferable
Allow Rotation — Allow
players to come and go from
the central zone, rotating
with players who were
previously xed in other
zones

14 40x20 4 300 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Depth to the Mid eld — How can we create depth within our mid eld without
cutting the striker out of the picture? We need to use the far spaces within the
zone, allowing a forward pass into the striker.
• Width in Mid eld — Creating width in the mid eld will force the opponent to
defender a larger space, this should in theory allow our players more space to
rotate into
• Timing of Passes — When the defensive players have the ball, when and how
they play forward passes into the middle zone is critical. We need them to play
forward to move the ball, but to be thinking two or three passes ahead.
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three
This is a key training moment. The blue mid eld player making a movement
from out-to-in to receive possession of the ball on the indie of the opposite
mid eld player. This instantly allows them to commit the next mid eld player
and create the opportunity for a central 3v1
This second picture shows how that 3v1 could be created if the blues are
quick, clever and e ective with the ball. The pass reaches the feet of the
striker after the opponent had to make a decision to deal with the ball carrier.
As this occurs, the second mid eld runs o the shoulder to create a 2v1.
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3v3+4 Possession game
START WITH WHY?
This is a really important practice for developing players who understand

how to play passes and support team-mates of the ball
SESSION DETAIL:
The session sees a 3v3 take place in the middle of the practice. On the
outside are four neutral players, we want the side in possession to use the
four outside players to create a 7v3. We want our players to understand how
central movements can isolate wide players and block passing lanes. Trying to
intelligently take up positions that cause issues to the opposition’s structure.
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PROGRESSION
Manipulate outside Players

— Change the four outside
players to, two reds and two
blues. This will change the
challenge and force the
central players to make
decisions in relation to the
players around them. Players
will now have to think about
how they receive the ball
inline with the support around
them.

10 30x20 4 240 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Creativity — Don’t forget the importance of creativity. Our players must be
creative enough to work their way out of 1v1 situations. They must use creativity
to turn away from pressure and beat players in 1v1 situations. They must also
be able to be creative in their receiving skills to manipulate the opponent and
their chances of defending against our players
• Type of Pass — It is important that our players are able to use di erent types of
passes to play through the opponent, this might be lofted passes over the
opponent. This might be well struck passes with the lace through the opponent.
It might be disguised passes to confuse the opponent.
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The rst picture here shows a great game moment we want to try and create.
The two mid eld players are playing o -set in the mid eld, this will allow a
simple combination through the opponent’s central space. These varied
angles will allow for quicker and more progressive passing.
The second example, again shows how players playing on di erent angles can
progress the ball through the opposition. The mid eld player receives away
from opposition players, and is then able to thread the ball to the outside
player in the space around the outside of the opposition.
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5v5+4 Using depth to support possession
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice for creating nishing moments using advanced

support players
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice sees 5v5 occur in a small area, with four outside players who
are all in positions to support the side in possession when they reach the nal
third. We want to see the side in possession try to control the game using the
neutrals as an overload. Then we want the yellows to be used to cause chaos
to the opponent and create goal-scoring moments.
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KEY PLAYERS
Attacking Mid eld Players —

For players who want to
attack the space behind the
opponent, this is the perfect
practice. The ball goes wide,
and there is space to attack
behind. This might be number
tens or number eights who
look to run beyond their
marker and into the space
behind

16 50x30 4 360 60 28
Key Coaching Points

• Penetration — We want to try and expose the space behind the opponent. This
might be attacking players looking to break the opponents back line to receive
ball to nish. This could be the reds playing into the end yellows, who cross the
ball low and hard for us to nish from.
• Bravery — The defensive yellows are in very deep positions, and can be di cult
to use at times. However, when we need to manipulate the opponent and move
the ball. These these players can provide a passing option that causes trouble
to the opposition.
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This rst picture just shares the purpose of width, the passes have all been
played through the centre of the pitch, however, width created this. It was
created because the opponent has been stretched across the back line (of
course exaggerated). We have to make the opponent fear that there is an
opportunity to play around, through, beyond and into. This will make their
defensive duties so di cult.
This nal example shows how our attacking-mid eld players might use give-
and-go combinations to exploit the space behind the opposition.
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4v4 Press and Switch Rondo
START WITH WHY?
This is an easy introduction into a session where you are working on control
of possession
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a basic 4v4 rondo. The area is very compact to make the players
perform technical actions with a level of skill and control. The rst side
pushes a player into the opposition half to try and win the ball. This creates a
3v1, once the one wins possession of the ball, they pass into their team-
mates on the opposite side and the same practice occurs in a mirrored form.
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PROGRESSIONS
Creating a 4v2 — You can

allow di erent combinations
of players to cross the half
way line and engage in the
practice. For example,
allowing two players across
can create a more
challenging 2v1 if the
practice is too easy.
Doubling Up — If the
opposition completes ve
passes, it allows an
additional defender to come
across and create a 4v2

8 14x18 4 120 30 10
Key Coaching Points

• Aggression — When playing in an overloaded practice, the player must be
aggressive in their actions to try and win the ball back. They must show that
intensity and desire to work at maximal e ort to win the ball from the opponent
and quickly as possible
• Movement — Constantly moving to play o the shoulder of the pressing player
is key, the pressing player will leave space behind. It is important that we are
able to nd and expose that space, especially when being forced towards the
touchline under pressure.
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This is a great example of timing for a pass. When the red decided to release
the pass is cortical. The later the pass is released, the greater chance and
time the second player has in possession of the ball. If it goes too early, the
space won’t be there to use.
This shows how the practice changes when the transition occurs, the red
loses possession to the blues. Before the reds can win it back, the blue must
switch play to the opposite end. Then the practice is ipped and the blues
have control of the ball.
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3v1 Finding the spare side
START WITH WHY?
This is a fantastic activation exercise to engage players technically and

tactically
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a seemingly simple practice with brilliant returns for players. The reds
look to keep the ball from the pressing blue player. However, if the red plays a
pass, they can’t pass to the same player in the same spot. So players have to
constantly nd the safe side of the practice to receive the ball. This engages
them physically and psychologically, players constantly making decisions as to
where they should be and where they should go
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PROGRESSIONS
Creating Problems — You

can create challenges for the
players by stretching the
shape of the practice to an
oblong. This way players will
need to work physically
across the pitch.
Distances — If you want to
increase the physical
challenge, change the size of
the area and debate using
two defenders

4 6x6 5 60 60 10
Key Coaching Points

• Commitment — The player working in the middle must be committed to
working as hard as possible, the 60 seconds will be a physically tough challenge
for players.
• Intensity — Players must work at an intensity that forces mistakes from the
opposition, this intensity occurs with and without the ball
• Intelligence — If you are slow to recognise the space and the problems within
this practice, the ball will never be maintained and the player in possession will
become crowded. You have to ensure that players are engaged in this task and
are working tirelessly to nd the right areas to play.
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Here is an example of how

players must move to support the
player in possession. The red has
passed wide, and now can’t
receive the ball back in that area.
We are now looking to challenge

the third player to recognise the
position they need to be in to
receive the ball. The red then
needs to focus on their body
position when they receive the
ball
The second part of the practice

just shows how simply the third
player is now moving to the
spare side. We want to make
sure that players are consistently
engaged technically, tactically
and mentally. This sort of
challenge at the start of a
practice will allow for players to
participate and engage in
learning much earlier in the
practice.
143

The classic 4v4v4 practice
START WITH WHY?
This is a great practice to train units to play together. It also helps

individuals recognise how to split units and play through gaps
SESSION DETAIL:
This is a simple possession game where the central team work hard to win
the ball from the two outside teams. The blues pass the ball around, and wait
for an opportunity to break through the yellows and into the reds. This keeps
occurring until the yellows win in it, and are able to switch with either the
blues or the reds.
144

KEY PLAYERS
Central Defenders — For

central defenders this can be
a really important practice, to
recognise when to pass wide
into wide defenders and when
to play through the units into
who would be mid eld players
Strikers — This has a lot of
realism for them, how do they
attack a back four and how
do they force the opponent
from switching the ball from
side-to-side

12 16x35 5 180 60 20
Key Coaching Points

• Teamwork — Teamwork will be critical in creating enough options to ensure
the pressing players aren’t able to win the ball from the side in possession of the
ball.
• Pressing Detail — Can our players press the ball into the wide area, If they can
you have the opportunity to lock play there and negate any chance of the
opponent switching play from the weak side to the strong side
• Bravery — With and without the ball we must have players who are brave. With
the ball we must be brave enough to play forward. Without we must be brave
enough to apply pressure and win the ball
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Here we can see an example where two yellows have stepped out and tried to
apply pressure. They are attempting to isolate the wide blue player and
prevent any forward passes. The second yellow wants to cut the switch and
win the ball.
If they aren’t succesful the risk will be exposure on the weak side. This is
where the opponent has an overload. In this example play the blues have
played away from pressure and managed to nd a huge gap in the yellows
defensive
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Dominating the octagon with an 8v4
START WITH WHY?
This is a practice that you can use to try and develop players ability to
dominate the ball within a box mid eld.
SESSION DETAIL:
This simple practice places an octagon over the centre of the pitch and then
allows players to play box-to-box with the challenge of using the angles to
nd passes and create goal-scoring opportunities. The practice will challenge
the players to combine in the 8v4 pictures, and then nd the goal when they
have the numerical advantage.
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KEY PLAYERS
Mid eld Players — This

practice is built around the
use of a box mid eld, this is a
mid eld with four central
mid eld players. This practice
will create situations that will
allow them to create the
relevant pictures and
challenges that exist within
the uniqueness of this shape.
Players then use the outside
players that replicate key
positions in the shape.

14 Box to 4 300 60 24
Box Seconds Seconds Minutes
Key Coaching Points

• Isolating — Can we isolate players into 1v1 positions on the pitch. This might
be mid eld player to mid eld player, getting the opponent exposed in situations
where they will struggle to defend.
• Threaded Passes — This practice should o er gaps between the defensive
unit, are our players clever enough to play passes through the shape and
expose the space behind.
• Finishing —Once we have exposed the opponent and have created the
attacking opportunity. Can we ensure our players are composed enough to
nish 1v1.
148

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This shows a simple combination that can exist within the setup of the
practice. The reds have dropped a player into receive between the lines, this
player is then able to try and play a threaded pass in behind for the forward
runner.
The second picture is slightly di erent, here the ball is played into the second
line, and the player is able to pin the defender before playing the ball wide.
Once the ball is wide the opposite mid eld player is looking to attack the
space behind and score. We need e ective timing of the movements for this
to work. 149

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Breaking of midfield into a counter-
attacking moment
START WITH WHY?
This practice is a great way to develop players who recognise how to join
the attack and overload the opponent.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice essentially is broken into three zones. The rst zone is a 5v5, in
here the players look to move the ball into the striker, or win it back and play
into the mini goals. In the middle zone then yellow plays on their own blocking
the ball into the striker. The attacking zone sees a 1v1 exist. When the reds
can play forward, they need to nd the striker and then look to join them. Two
players can overload and create a 3v2.
150

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attacking moment
KEY PLAYERS
Strikers — This is a great

practice for centre-forwards,
the striker has to move to try
and create enough space to
receive the ball to trigger the
counter-attack. They then act
as the base for the attack. Or
if they can, can they spin the
defender and attack the
space behind.

15 2/3 Pitch 4 300 60 24
Key Coaching Points

• Fixing — Can we get our striker to x or pin the defender and then allow the
overloading player to attack and have space to exploit.
• Threaded Passes — This practice should o er gaps between the defensive
unit, are our players clever enough to play passes through the shape and
expose the space behind.
• Forward Runs —Once the ball has been moved forward, can the reds
encourage two players to run forward and break the box, trying to create an
attacking 3v2 situation.
151

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attacking moment
This picture shows the rst pass into the striker starting the attacking phase
of the practice. The reds have penetrated the yellows and can now start an
attack. The red has made a movement to receive and now must hold o the
yellow.
Now the red has received the ball, they are waiting for overloading players to
create a 3v2. The attack must be quick and dynamic, the reds need to break
before the recovering yellow player is able to in uence the practice. As soon
as this attack ends a new ball is played into the red box.
152

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OVERLOADING A MIDFIELD THREE THROUGH
WIDTH
START WITH WHY?
If you play a back three this is a very useful practice to develop

combinations between a back three and mid eld three.
SESSION DETAIL:
This practice is broken down into three sections, two build-up areas on the
left and right-hand side of the practice. It also includes a central channel for
players to play within. Each end zone contains a 3v2, whilst the central
channel contains a 3v3. The side in possession needs to move the ball
through their 3v2 overload, into the mid eld areas of 3v3, before attacking
the underloaded area of 2v3, players can then join to create a 3v3.
153

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WIDTH
KEY PLAYERS
Outside centre-backs — For

centre-backs who play within
a back three, the role they
have within the team can be
slightly di erent. They might
need to breakout of the
defensive line and into
mid eld. This is a common
practice for centre-backs
when they play within a three.

18 Pen Spot 4 360 60 28
to Pen Seconds Seconds Minutes
Key Coaching Points

• Passing Length — Ensure players are comfortable playing passes over many
di erent lengths, longer passes are an e ective way of playing into the nal
third, shorter passes might be better to be received into mid eld units.
• Passing Detail— Make sure players are aware of the characteristics of a good
pass, the pass needs to have there right weight to get through to their
teammate.
• Forward Runs —Once a players has passed forwards, can they already be
aware of the tactical situation. Do they need to overlap to help a team-mate that
might not have enough support in and around the ball.
154

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WIDTH
This picture shows the rst pass into the striker starts the attacking phase of
the practice. The reds have penetrated the yellows and can now start an
attack. The red has made a movement to receive and now must hold of the
yellow.
Now the red has received the ball, they are waiting for overloading players to
create a 3v2. The attack must be quick and dynamic, the reds need to break
before the recovering yellow player is able to in uence the practice. As soon
as this attack ends a new ball is played into the red box.
155

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fl

Dominating Possession With Purpose Ebook

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1

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Possession plays a key role in competitive and

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are

Front cover image by TheFootballCoach.

Printed by FootballCoaching, Ltd., in the United Kingdom.

First printing edition 2022.

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START WITH WHY?

The purpose is de ned as ‘The reason for which something is done or

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Another in uence for the increase in possession would be the in uential

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Whenever we look at statistics, it is important that we try to understand what

This further proves that although it is possible to win without dominating

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As we can see so far possession has some link to winning at a professional

If we switch this to a decade earlier where teams had less possession,

Young players will naturally get more time to 1v1 in possession-based

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An increased time in possession should also allow our players to develop an

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model displays some of the principles associated with being in possession of

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When talking about in-possession principles it is also important to talk about

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When focusing on in-possession principles it is hard to talk without

We ask our defenders and goalkeepers to display penetration when they

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Retention has been included as a principle within our extended in-

We can also use retention as a method of moving the opponent around

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We have included improvisation within our extended principles because of

Improvisation can occur because of unpredictable actions from the

Problem-solving plays a huge role in the development of young players, we

Improvisation doesn’t just occur when the opponent change shape,

Other situations can occur from technical errors or team-mate errors,

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These little movements are critical

The example of the ball carriers on

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This can be trained in rondo

This is not different to what we want

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Creativity can occur at any moment of the game when in possession.

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The image to the right shows how a

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Possession is an important part of the game and will be a factor that is

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clarity and control. These are important components of being a possession-

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Team Possession is another challenge and important challenge, this is