Week 65 5v5+2 Possession

Instructions/Setup:

This possession-based practice focuses on maintaining possession while encouraging quick transitions both in attack and defense. The attacking team (possessing team) aims to accumulate as many passes as possible, earning 1 point for every ‘X’ number of passes completed (e.g., 5 passes, 7 passes). During possession, the 2 neutral players join the attacking team to create a 7v5 phase.

The defending team must work to regain possession and then score into any of the 4 mini goals, promoting a counter-pressing mindset from the attacking team if possession is lost. Once possession changes hands, the neutral players transition to the defending team to help in scoring and applying pressure on the new attacking team.

Coaching Notes:

• Possession Focus – Encourage the team in possession to focus on quick passing and movement to break down the defense. The neutral players should add numerical superiority, providing passing options and ensuring fluidity in the attack. The possession team should look to use the width of the grid and make quick, decisive passes to maintain control.

• Quick Transitions – The defending team should be encouraged to counter-attack quickly once they win possession, aiming to score in one of the mini goals. The attacking team should focus on counter-pressing immediately when they lose possession, working to regain the ball as soon as possible to prevent a quick counter from the defenders.

• Neutral Players’ Role – The neutral players play a key role in both phases. In attack, they should help to maintain possession and provide support for their team. When possession changes, they immediately transition to help the defending team and increase their numbers in the pressing and attacking phase.

• Defensive Shape – The defending team should maintain compactness and focus on anticipating passes to break up the play. They need to be quick in closing down passing lanes and not allow the possession team to make too many consecutive passes. Once they win the ball, their aim is to transition quickly into attack.

Progression 1: Limit the Number of Touches

Limit the number of touches each player can take (e.g., 2 or 3 touches per player) to encourage quicker passing and decision-making. This will increase the pace of the game and encourage quicker transitions.

Focus:

Improves the speed of play, encouraging players to think and act faster under pressure.

Progression 2: Add Scoring Zones for the Possession Team

To encourage the attacking team to play forward and not just focus on possession, add scoring zones where they can score points if they successfully pass the ball into certain areas or mini-goals. This incentivizes the attacking team to progress the ball and create goal-scoring opportunities, rather than just completing passes.

Focus:

Adds a goal-scoring element to possession play, making it more game-like and encouraging the attacking team to move the ball forward more effectively.