Free Soccer Drills
PHYSICAL
61
Protecting Possession | Physical Exercise (61-P1)
Set Up / Organisation
Practice 1 of Theme 61 Protecting Possession, can be applied to players of all age groups and is a physical exercise testing individuals to hold up play in a 1 v 1. In a circle 20 yard in diameter (adjust for your age group), we split the area into 4 quadrants each with a 1 v 1 situation.
Hold Up...
The player in possession must then hold up the ball until a different player is able to support, allowing player 1 to bounce the ball back to the outside. The attacking player must then switch to another area to receive a pass off a different floater, with defenders remaining in their quadrant.
Move...
- On the outside a single floater will pass a ball into player 1, and then move to another quadrant on the outside.
Progressions & Constraints
- Progress by creating 2 v 2s in each area with 2 support players, one outside player will then rotate between groups, as will one attacking player on successfully keeping possession.
Key Coaching Points
- Physical: Strength to hold up play in 1 v 1 situations
- Cognitive: Recognition of when and how to connect
- Technical: Touch and passing to combine when needed