Dortmund 2 Zone Possession Transfer

Instructions/Setup:

This possession transfer drill focuses on maintaining ball possession while under pressure and executing quick switches of play across zones. The practice area consists of a large square divided into 4 smaller grids, with one team working within a set of vertical grids. Each team has 6 players—3 players are locked onto designated lines, while the other 3 players are free to roam the grid, looking to receive and distribute the ball. The attacking team must complete a minimum of 5 passes before they are allowed to switch play to a different zone.

The defending team consists of 3 players, and their objective is to win possession and disrupt the attacking team's flow. If the defenders regain possession and manage to switch play, they take over the attacking role and must maintain possession in the same structure. This drill encourages effective positioning, teamwork, and the ability to execute precise passes under pressure.

Coaching Notes:

• Switching Play: Encourage players to look for opportunities to switch play once they have completed the required 5 passes, using quick, accurate passes to move the ball across grids.

• Defensive Pressure: Defenders should focus on cutting off passing lanes, pressuring the player in possession, and forcing errors without committing too early.

• Positional Awareness: The 3 roaming players should constantly be aware of their positioning, always creating options for the player in possession and moving intelligently to support the ball carrier.

• Quick Transitions: Emphasize the need for quick transitions, both offensively when switching play and defensively when regaining possession, to maintain tempo and control.

Progression 1: Increase Defender Numbers:

Increase the number of defenders from 3 to 4 or 5, making it more challenging for the attacking team to maintain possession and switch play.

Focus: Improves the attacking team's ability to keep possession while under more intense pressure, emphasizing passing accuracy and movement.