Vitesse Protecting Possession

Instructions/Setup:

In this drill, players work on deceiving the opposition with quick changes in direction, body feints, and double movements. The goal is to lose the defender and create space in order to receive a pass from one of the two players positioned on the outside of the grid. Players must constantly work on their footwork and timing to ensure they are in the right position to receive the ball.

To progress the drill, return passes should be made with one touch, emphasizing quick decision-making and ball control. However, as players become more comfortable, they can be encouraged to take 2-3 touches, which adds an element of possession protection and a chance to manipulate the ball under pressure.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick Movements and Body Feints: Players should focus on using body feints and explosive movements to deceive their defender, making it difficult for them to anticipate where the ball will go.

• Create Space: The key is to use the quick movements to create enough space for the pass. Players should make sure their positioning allows them to receive the ball cleanly from the outside players.

• First Touch: Encourage players to use a quick, controlled first touch to set them up for the next action, especially when the ball is passed to them under pressure.

• Protecting Possession: As players progress to 2-3 touches, they need to work on protecting the ball for a short period, shielding it from the defender and looking for options to play the ball forward or maintain possession.

Progression 1: Incorporate a 1v1 Scenario:

After receiving the ball, players must immediately attempt to beat a defender in a 1v1 situation. This forces the player to think about how to use deception both when receiving and when transitioning into an attack.

Focus: This progression adds an element of decision-making after receiving the ball, improving a player's ability to use quick movements to beat defenders.