Possession and Progression
Possession and Progression
Training Session: Possession & Progression
Objective: Keep possession and move the ball from the back to the front.
Warm-Up / Stage 1 – Skill Work:
Focus: Scanning, passing & receiving, body positioning, movement, communication
Progression: Start without pressure, then introduce defenders in 4v2 rondos and larger possession games.
Stage 2 – Game Application:
9v9 possession game with zones → full 9v9 match
Emphasis on applying skills under realistic match conditions.
Key Focus Points:
- Maintain possession under pressure
- Progress the ball from defense to attack
- Scan and be aware of space
- Pass and receive accurately
- Position your body optimally
- Move effectively off the ball
- Communicate constantly
Double Diamond Passing- 2
Description:
Two groups of players in a diamond shape overlapping each other. The ball is passed around the diamond. Once players are comfortable, have them follow their pass.
Coaching Points:
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Body shape to play the next pass.
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Look to avoid the other diamond - ball and players.
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On receiving the ball, check away and then back (simulate defender).
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Pass to back foot.
Progression:
Set touch limit, make a competition (pass count, time). Instead of following pass, have players swap with player that passed to them.

The Original 4v2
PURPOSE OF SESSION:
Although it is very difficult to attribute the invention of the rondo to any one coach, it is Laureano Ruiz, former Barcelona coach, who’s name appears most often next to it. In the docu-movie, Take the Ball, Pass the Ball, Ruiz describes this 4v2 as the original rondo.
INITIAL SET-UP:
• Grid size as appropriate to players’ age and ability. • Four possession players, one of each side of the grid. • Possession players can, and are encouraged to, move along their line. • Two defenders who attempt to regain the ball.
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Possession players keep the ball away from defender for as long as possible, or for a target number of passes.
COACHING POINTS:
1. Be able to play in a one and two touch rhythm.
2. Always play as if the next pass is coming to you.
3. Anticipate play and get your feet set in the direction of your next pass.

4v2 into 4v0 Transfer of Possession
Organisation:
Area: 2 x 15 x 15 metres areas with a 5-metre middle area.
The teams start 4v0 in the two end areas with four Blue players positioned on the corners of the middle area.
Blue player passes the ball into Red team and then follows the pass with one more Blue Player to create a 4v2 situation.
Red team must establish possession before transferring the ball (3-5 passes depending on ability).
When the ball is transferred, the defenders leave the area while the other two Blue Players follow the ball into the Black team to create another 4v2 situation.
This process continues until possession is lost in the area or in the transfer.
If a defender wins the ball, they must transfer to the other area while the four players that were in possession must now quickly transition to defend.
Football Actions:
Create space (by individual & team mobility)
Weight, accuracy and height of pass
Body shape/receive on back foot /first touch
Angles and distance of support
Width and Depth – Penetrating pass
Communication between Players
Awareness of space – Defenders in 4v2 and in transfer of possession
Transition to Defend – Can we win ball back as quickly as possible?
Notes:
Have supply of footballs outside the area.
Progression: Have two defenders in the middle area to attempt to screen/cut out the transfer of possession.

9v9, Central Attacking / Defending
9v9 in three zones.
From 4v2 to 3v3 to 2+1 v 3+GK
Start with 4v2 build up.
1 midfielder can join attackers.
Keep track of score.

Field: three zones of 18y x 24y.
3v3 in center, 3v3+GK in end zones.
Large goals.
Keep track of score.
9v9 Game
9v9 game, two large goals

Attacking team principles
Defensive team principles
Transition moments: Quick reaction