1. To train the ability to keep possession.
2. Train the ability to develop switches of play and changing the point of attack. for possession.

• Drill No:               PO18
• Age:                    15-Adult                             
• No Players:        10 (12,14)
• Difficulty:            Medium/Advanced
• Area/Time:         50x30yrds  (20-30mins)

• Two of the teams compete in the playing area and attempt to score passing through the other teams gates on the ground (or in the air also at the discretion of the coach).
• The team that does not have possession of the ball must have one player kneeling down until they regain possession.
• If the attacking team looses possession of the ball they start defending their gate goals and one of their players has to take a knee (kneel down) until they regain possession.
• The players on each team can be numbered before beginning the game and players then kneel down in order (i.e. 1 kneels on the other teams first possession, then 2 on their next possession, and so on).

A violation of any of these rules by a player results in their team becoming the defenders or a free kick.

Example from the Diagram above: 

1. A1 passes to A2 to maintain possession.
2. A2 passes to A3 as the attacking team works the ball to the right away from pressure.
3. A3 passes the ball to A4 whole dribbles and score on the opposite flank to where the ball started from. (D1 remains kneeling throughout).

On each score the team scored on regains possession.

• The attacking team plays passing through the gate goals on the ground.
• The attacking team plays passing through the gate goals in the air.

1. Focus and Awareness to look up and see opportunites to switch the play and take advantage of the defending team being a man down.
2. Good quality passing to maintain possession until an opportunity to play a penetrating pass or switch.
3. The defending team needs to be well organized and communicate to each other as they are playing with a man down.
4. The defending team needs to attempt to play compact and zonal.
5. Transition quickly when an error is made.
6. Other key coaching points of basic possession principles of play.
7. Quick passing combinations.

1. None.

1. Instead of the kneeling player, have 1 permenantly assigned Neutral player who always plays with the attacking team.