Free Soccer Drills

Opposed

11

Winning Possession In MF 3rd | Opposed (11-P2)

Set Up | Direction

In this Possession / Pressing Opposed Practice, we focus on pairs of defenders regaining possession as quickly as possible. Multi Directional Practice | This practice focuses on developing players ability to press possession players to regain possession quickly, through forcing direction and limiting gaps for opposition to play through. Work with 3 balls between 6 players, giving the 2 defenders chance to win each ball as quickly as possible. When possession one they can score in any one of 4 mini goals as shown, before pressing the group to win second ball and third. Once all balls won, rotate defending players.

Key Coaching Points

Ensure Possession and movement between passing players challenges defensive pairings.
Speed of press, with a particular focus on triggers for pressing as a pair (i.e. Slow pass, bad touch, lofted pass).
Limiting gaps in between, trying to isolate 1 or 2 passing players.
Effective communication for both defending and passing players throughout (e.g. time, man on, press).

Progressions & Constraints 1

Increase or decrease number of passers or defenders depending on ability of each group (e.g. 7 v 2, or 5 v 3).

Progressions & Constraints 2

Time each pair to win 6 balls, work 3 balls and then another 3 once they are won.