Midfield Soccer Drills (Ball Possession + Movement)

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Win the midfield battle and you can win the game. That’s the importance of the midfield area in soccer. The area of the field that can prevent attacks and create chances.

The key to the midfield is passing, control, possession, and selecting the correct pass. There’s little space in the midfield, so these drills will help you.

Soccer player passing a ball

Midfield Soccer Drills (Ball Possession + Movement)

Zig-Zag Passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Zig-Zag Passing
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 7 to 18
  • Skills learned: Short, medium, and long-distance passing
  • Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 7 cones

Drill Setup

  • Use half a training field for this drill. 
  • Set up cones as shown in the graphic, using the lines on the field as a guide. 
  • The precise distance between cones isn’t important. The most important factor is that there are different distances between some of the cones to focus on different passing ranges.
  • Split the team into 6 groups and line them up behind the cones. There must be at least 2 players at the P1 position to begin with.
Zig Zag Passing
Zig Zag Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts by playing a low, hard pass to P2.
  2. P2 takes a touch and passes to P3. 
  3. P3 takes a touch and then plays a medium distance, low, hard pass to P4.
  4. P4 takes a touch and then plays a medium distance, low, hard pass to P5.
  5. P5 takes a touch then plays a low, hard pass to P6. 
  6. P6 takes a touch and then plays a long pass to the P1 position. P6 can put height and power on this pass as it must travel the entire width of the field. 
  7. Each player follows their pass to the next position. 
  8. The drill is repeated on a loop, ensuring all players practice different passing distances.

Drill Variations

  • Set a timer for each round and challenge players to beat it. 
  • Encourage players to play first-time passes if possible. 
  • Focus on weak foot passing for multiple rounds. 
  • Instruct all players to move before receiving a pass. This simulates getting free from a marker during a game. Shoulder checks and directional feints are suitable movements.

Short Pass, Long Pass: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Short Pass, Long Pass
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: first-time passing, ball control, long-distance passing, 
  • Equipment: 1 ball (per group), 4 cones (per group)

Drill Setup

  • Create a 4 cone passing grid that spans the width of the training field. 
  • Place 2 cones 5 yards apart along the left wing sideline.
  • Place 2 parallel cones 5 yards apart along the right wing sideline.
  • Assign 4 players to the grid, with 1 player lining up next to each cone. 
  • Create as many passing grids as you need to include all players.
  • If you don’t have enough space for multiple grids, rotate groups every minute.
Short Pass Long Pass
Short Pass, Long Pass

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts by playing a quick one-two return pass with P2. 
  2. After receiving the return, P1 opens their body, taking their first touch toward P3 on the opposite wing. 
  3. P1 then plays a long pass to P3. 
  4. P1 and P2 switch positions.
  5. P3 takes the necessary amount of touches to control the pass (as few as possible).
  6. P3 plays a quick one-two return pass with P4. 
  7. After receiving the return, P3 opens their body, taking their first touch toward P2 on the opposite wing. 
  8. P3 then plays a long pass to P2. 
  9. P3 and P4 switch positions. 
  10. Repeat the drill, focusing on accurate, controlled passing, and good first touches. 

Drill Variations

  • Get players to switch sides. 
  • Focus on weak foot passing for several rounds. 
  • Get groups to compete against each other by counting how many complete passes they make within the time frame.

Sharks and Minnows: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-8
  • Length of Session: 10 mins
  • Number of Players: 6+
  • Skills to Learn: dribbling, keeping head up, ball control
  • Equipment: balls for each player, cones, pinnies optional.

Description: Kids try to dribble from one side to the other without getting tagged by the shark. Anyone tagged becomes a shark.

Drill Set-up: 

  • Create a large rectangle suitable for the number and age of players. For example, 35 meters long by 20 meters wide for 12-15 6-year-olds
  • Give each player a ball and line them up on the starting line.
  • Select a “shark” to start. 
Sharks and Minnows Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com
Sharks and Minnows Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions

  1. Line up all of the “minnows” with their balls.
  2. Choose 1-2 sharks and place them in the middle of the space. 
  3. When you say go, have the minnows try to dribble across the other side without getting tagged by a shark. 
  4. Anyone who is tagged must become a shark for the next round.
  5. Challenge players to see who can be the last minnow standing.
  6. Younger kids, 4-6, can focus on just tagging the player. For kids 6-8, change the rules so they must knock the ball away from the minnow to count. For kids 8-10 or with advanced skills, you can require them to take full possession of the ball. 
  7. Another way to make the drill more challenging is to make the space smaller. 
  8. You can also add specific dribbling challenges within the game (weak foot only, must complete 2 moves before crossing, etc.

Progressive Passing Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Progressive passing drill
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 10 to 12
  • Skills learned: Passing, movement, awareness, 
  • Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball

Drill Setup

  • Create a 20-yard, 4-cone square grid. Split the grid into 2 sections using 2 more cones.
  • Elect 8 players to perform as attackers, and 2 as defenders. 
  • P1 and P2 stand outside the grid on one end, with P3 and P4 outside the grid on the other end. 
  • P5 and P6 begin inside the grid on one side, with P7 and P8 on the other side. 
  • D1 occupies the same space as P5 and P6. D2 occupies the same space as P7 and P8.
Progressive Passing Drill
Progressive Passing Drill

Drill Instructions

  • Throughout this drill, all players must stay in their designated spaces.
  • Players cannot pass the ball through any section. The ball must travel through each individual section to score. 
  • On the coach’s signal, P1 starts by playing the ball to P5 or P6. 
  • P5 and P6 work together to play the ball into the next section to P7 and P8. They can play the ball back to P1 and P2 to recycle possession.
  • When P7 and P8 receive possession, they work together to play the ball to P3 and P4. They can play the ball back to P5 and P6, but not back to P1 and P2.
  • D1 and D2 (in black) tackle, block, and try to regain possession. 
  • If the defenders win back the ball, the attackers must restart with P1 and P2. 
  • Each time the attackers successfully play the ball from one side to the other, they score a point. 
  • Run the drill for 2 to 3 minutes then rotate player roles. 
See also  Beginner Soccer Drills (Kids + Youth - Basic Easy Skills)

Drill Variations

  • Add an extra defender to both center sections. 
  • Create competition by tracking how many points each group scores. 
  • Reduce or increase the size of the grid to accommodate players’ skill levels. 
  • Limit the number of touches per player inside the grid. 
  • If attacking players are struggling, instruct the defenders to play passively with no tackling. 
  • This drill is designed for 10 to 12 players but it can be scaled up or down depending on numbers. Consider increasing the size of the grid if you have a large training squad. 

Channel Possession: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Channel Possession
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 12+
  • Number of players: 10 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, movement, positioning, counter attacking 
  • Equipment: 10 cones, 1 ball, 2 goals 

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half the length and the full width of the field for this drill. 
  • Extend the penalty box lines by placing cones all the way from the edge of the penalty box to the halfway line (or end of the playing field). This creates 3 separate sections (1 left, 1 center, and 1 right).
  • Set up 2 goals. If you have goalkeepers, use full-size goals. If not, small goals are fine.
  • Divide the team into groups of 5 outfield players. 
  • 5 attackers and 5 defenders occupy either end of the field. 
  • If you have goalkeepers, assign 1 goalkeeper to each team.
Channel Possession
Channel Possession

Drill Instructions

  1. The objective of this drill is to score against the opposition. However, the attacking team can only score if they have at least 1 player in every section. This encourages players to create space and use the entire width of the field. 
  2. The defending team must stay in the center section. 
  3. Encourage attacking players to switch the play where possible, creating space on the wings. Attackers can rotate positions freely. 
  4. If the defenders win possession, they are now the attacking team. They should counterattack quickly to score while the opposition is out of position. However, they must adopt the same rules, meaning they must have at least 1 player in every section to score. 
  5. The first team to score 3 goals wins. 

Drill Variations

  • Scale this drill up or down depending on the number of available players. 
  • Set time limits to score when teams are in possession. 
  • Set a minimum number of consecutive passes before a team can score. 

Box-to-box Midfielder Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Box-to-box Midfielder Drill
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Number of players: 8 to 16
  • Skills learned: Receiving the ball, turning with the ball, quick passing, dribbling, shooting
  • Equipment: 9 cones, at least 1 ball

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half of the training field if possible.
  • Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
  • Place 1 cone in the center of the field to indicate the starting point. 
  • Use 2 cones to create a 3-yard gate, 5 yards from the center cone, toward the goal.
  • Place another cone 5 yards to the right at a right angle to the gate. 
  • Using 4 cones positioned 1 yard apart, create a controlled dribbling route at the edge of the penalty box.
  • Place 1 more cone 5 yards to the right at a right angle to the final cone in the dribbling zone. 
  • Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. Or, create a mini goal using cones. 
Box To Box Midfield
Box To Box Midfield

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill at the center of the field by playing a low, firm 5-yard pass to P2.
  2. P2 checks their shoulder before receiving the pass. 
  3. As they receive the pass, P2 opens up their body and turns 180 degrees until they are facing the goal. The touch and turn must be controlled, taking place within the gate.
  4. P2 plays a give-and-go pass to P3, continuing their run toward the goal. 
  5. After receiving the return pass, P3 accelerates toward the dribbling zone. 
  6. P2 dribbles through the cones, weaving from one side to the other, using multiple soft touches. 
  7. After passing through the dribble zones, P2 enters the penalty box and plays a give-and-go pass with P4. 
  8. P4 continues the run then shoots on goal.
  9. When the round finishes, P1 joins the P2 line, P2 joins the P3 line, and P3 joins the P4 line.

Drill Variations

  • Switch drill to the opposite side.
  • Instruct the players to work on their weaker shooting feet.

Dutch Style Passing: Soccer Drills

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Dutch Style Passing
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Number of players: 8 to 16
  • Skills learned: Passing, receiving the ball on the move, first touch, and offensive positioning
  • Equipment: 4 to 8 cones, 2 balls, mini goal or full-size goal

Drill Setup

  • Create a 4 cone grid as shown in the graphic, with each cone positioned 10 yards apart. 
  • Set up a small goal using cones. Alternatively, you can use a full-size goal and a goalkeeper. 
  • Ensure the drill starts and finishes on the edge of the penalty box as the sequence is designed to simulate a midfield attacking move.
  • Split the team evenly into 4 groups and position each group behind the cones at the 4 corners of the grid.
Dutch Style Passing
Dutch Style Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a low, firm pass to P2. 
  2. As soon as P1 passes the ball, they run toward P3 and call for the return pass. 
  3. P2 plays a quick, first-time (if possible) return pass to P1. 
  4. While on the move, P1 receives the return pass and plays a first-time (if possible) pass to P3. 
  5. P3 takes a touch to control the ball then plays a low, firm, pass to P4.
  6. As soon as P3 passes the ball, they sprint toward the penalty box and call for the return pass. 
  7. P4 plays a threaded pass in front of P3. 
  8. P3 receives the pass on the move, dribbles into the box, and shoots on goal. 
  9. When the round finishes, P1 joins the P2 line, P2 joins the P3 line, and P3 joins the P4 line.

Drill Variations

  • Switch the drill to the opposite side of the training field.
  • Run the drill using one-touch passes only.

Midfield Attacking Sequence: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Midfield Attacking Sequence
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: Receiving the ball under pressure, quick passing, dribbling, and crossing
  • Equipment: 7 cones, 1 ball, and goalposts

Drill Setup

  • Half a soccer field is the perfect space for this drill.
  • Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
  • Place 1 cone near the center of the field to indicate the starting point. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards in front of the first cone, toward the goal. 
  • Place 1 cone 25 yards to the right of the second cone, toward the sideline.
  • Create a square crossing zone in front of the third cone, next to the penalty box. 
  • Set up a full-size goal. 
  • Split the team into 2 groups, with wingers and full-backs lining up on the wing and other players lining up in the center of the field. 
Midfield Attacking Sequence
Midfield Attacking Sequence

Drill Instructions

  1. P2 starts with the ball at the center field. P1 stands at the second cone with their back to the goal. 
  2. The defender (D1) stands behind P1, applying some pressure as they receive, pass, and turn, simulating an in-game midfield scenario.
  3. P1 begins the drill by playing a quick “one-two” (return pass) with P2.
  4. P1 must hold off the defender while playing the return pass. 
  5. The defender applies some pressure but doesn’t attempt to win possession.
  6. After playing the ball back to P2, P1 spins toward the goal and sprints to the penalty box. 
  7. P2 then plays a 25-yard pass to P3 next to the sideline. 
  8. P3 dribbles along the sideline into the crossing grid and crosses the ball into the penalty box toward P1. 
  9. P1 takes a shot on goal. 
  10. Rotate the defensive player every 2 to 3 rounds. 
See also  Against A Wall + Agility Ladder Soccer Drills

Drill Variations

  • Switch the crossing grid to the opposite side of the field. 
  • Introduce a defender in the penalty box. 
  • Create a contest between the 2 groups to see which team scores the most goals.

Wide Attack: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Wide Attack
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Number of players: 3 to 16
  • Skills learned: Quick passing, dribbling, turning, and finishing
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, and goalposts

Drill Setup

  • Place 1 cone on the end line 5 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 12 yards in front of the first. 
  • Place 1 cone parallel to the second cone on the edge of the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone in line with the third cone, around 5 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, set up full-size goalposts. If you don’t have a goalkeeper, mini goalposts are okay.
Wide Attack
Wide Attack

Drill Instructions

  1. The team lines up behind the cone on the end line. 1 player stands at the second and another at the third cone.
  2. P1 starts the drill by playing a quick one-two pass with P2. 
  3. As soon as P2 plays the return pass, they turn and start to run toward the cone outside the penalty box. 
  4. P1 passes to P3. 
  5. P3 plays a first-time pass (if possible) in front of P1. 
  6. P1 receives the ball on the move, dribbles at it, then around the cone toward the goal. 
  7. P1 then dribbles into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper. 
  8. The goalkeeper may rush the attacker, come off their line, or play the scenario however they wish. This is a useful drill for goalkeepers also.
  9. If you have multiple goalkeepers in your team, rotate them each round. 
  10. After the round, P1 rejoins the main line, P3 takes the P1 spot, and P2 takes the P3 spot. 

Drill Variations

  • Create a competition between attackers and between goalkeepers for the most goals and stops. 
  • Switch the drill setup to the opposite side of the training field. 
  • Add a player to the penalty box to passively defend the attacker.

2 v 2 Inside The Box: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Inside The Box
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 8 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Marking, tackling, and blocking
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • This drill takes place in the penalty box. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, set up a full-size goal. If not, create a small 5-yard goal using cones.
  • Split the team into pairs. 
  • 1 pair is designated as the defensive team (D1 + D2) and another as the attacking team (P1 + P”). 
  • D1 + D2 and P1 + P2 begin the drill inside the penalty box. 
  • The attackers start with their back to goal. 
  • The defenders mark them appropriately. 
  • At least 3 players from the remaining groups line up outside the penalty box, one of them starting with the ball. 
2 v 2 Inside The Box
2 v 2 Inside The Box

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the game goes live. 
  2. P1 and P2 attempt to get free to receive the ball from the player outside the box. 
  3. D1 and D2 mark the attackers closely, trying to stop them from receiving the outside pass. 
  4. The attackers and defenders must stay inside the box. 
  5. When the attackers receive the ball, they work together and try to score. 
  6. The defenders attempt to stop them. 
  7. The attackers can pass to the players outside the penalty box to recycle possession. 
  8. The players outside the penalty box cannot shoot or score. 
  9. The round is over if the attackers score, shoot the ball wide or over the crossbar, or if the defenders win possession.
  10. The pair that wins the round continues as the defensive team.

Drill Variations

  • Create a time limit for each round. 
  • Limit the number of times the attackers can recycle possession with the outside group.
  • Add a third attacker to make things difficult for the defense.

2 v 2 Possession Squares: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Ages: 12 to 18+
  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Possession Squares
  • Session Length: 5 to 8 minutes
  • Number of players: minimum of 4 players, broken into groups of 2
  • Skills learned: Agility, first touch, quick passing, tackling, and pressing
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball per pair

Drill Setup

  • Position 4 cones 10 to 15 yards apart to form a square. 
  • Divide the team into pairs. 
  • 2 teams take their place in the square while the other pairs wait outside. 
2 v 2 Possession Squares
2 v 2 Possession Squares

Drill Instructions

  1. The coach selects one team to start with the ball and one team to defend. 
  2. The game goes live once the first pass is played. 
  3. The team in possession tries to keep the ball by passing and dribbling. 
  4. The defending team attempts to win back possession through tackling or intercepting. 
  5. If the defending team wins the ball back, they attempt to keep possession from their opponents. 
  6. The first team to make 5 consecutive passes wins. 
  7. The winning team begins the next round in possession. A new pair replaces the losing team, beginning the round as the defenders. 
  8. If neither team wins after 60 seconds, the round is over and 2 fresh teams enter the square. 

Drill Variations

  • The number of players per team can be extended up to 11. The square should be made larger to accommodate additional players. 
  • If players are struggling to retain possession, consider changing the dynamic to a 3 v 2 or 4 v 2. The team of 3 starts in possession. As soon as they lose the ball, the round is over and a new 3 v 2 matchup is made.

4 v 4 Wing Play: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 4 v 4 Wing Play
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 8 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Positioning, passing, movement, awareness
  • Equipment: 12 cones, 1 ball, 2 goals

Drill Setup

  • Create a 20-yard long, 15-yard wide, cone grid as your playing field. 
  • Create a channel, 3 yards wide, on either sideline using cones. 
  • Set up 2 goals, placing 1 on either end of the field. 
  • Divide the team into groups of 4. 
  • 2 groups compete against each other at a time. 
  • Each group designates 1 player to occupy their right-sided channel. No other players are allowed to enter the sideline channels. 
4 v 4 Wing Play
4 v 4 Wing Play

Drill Instructions

  1. The coach elects 1 team to start with the ball. 
  2. On the coach’s signal, the drill goes live. The teams compete in a regular 4 v 4 game, with each team trying to outscore the other. 
  3. The designated channel players can move along the sideline but they cannot leave the channel. 
  4. The other players may not enter the sideline channels. 
  5. The teams are encouraged to use their wingers to set up attacks, creating overloads and crossing opportunities from wide areas. 
  6. The first team to score 3 goals is the winner. 
  7. Mix up teams after each game. 
  8. If you have enough players, create multiple teams and rotate them between games. 
See also  Spacing Soccer Drills (Stop Bunching)

Drill Variations

  • Switch wingers to the opposite side, focusing on attacking from the left sideline.
  • Introduce a rule, forcing teams to pass to their winger at least once before they are allowed to score. 
  • Set a minimum pass rule before teams can score. 
  • Limit individual touches to 2 or 3 per possession. 
  • Set a scoring time limit for attacking teams.

4 v 4 End Line Playmaking: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 4 v 4 End Line Playmaking
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 8 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Positioning, give-and-go passing, movement, finishing
  • Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball, 4 mini goals

Drill Setup

  • Create a 20-yard long, 15-yard wide, cone grid as your playing field. 
  • Place 2 goals near the corner flags on either end of the field. 
  • Divide the team into groups of 4. 
  • 2 groups compete against each other at a time. 
  • Each group must elect 1 player to stand between the opposition’s goal posts along the end line. The rest of the players are free to move around as they please. 
  • The coach chooses a team to start in possession.
4 v 4 End Line Playmaker
4 v 4 End Line Playmaker

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the game goes live and the teams compete in a regular 4 v 4 game.
  2. The goal of the drill is to outscore the opposition. 
  3. The players standing between the posts can move along the end-line but may not move onto the field or past the goalposts. They are not allowed to score.
  4. A team may only score if they play 2 passes through their end-line player in a single possession. The passes don’t have to be consecutive. 
  5. Encourage players to make give-and-go passes and create patient buildup play, simulating real game scenarios. 
  6. The first team to score 5 goals is the winner. 
  7. Mix up teams after each game. 
  8. If you have enough players, create multiple teams and rotate them between games. 

Drill Variations

  • Create a tournament if you have enough players.
  • Set a minimum pass to rule before teams can score. 
  • Limit individual touches to 2 per possession. 
  • Consider increasing the mandatory number of passes to the end-line players before a team can score. 

4v4 to Mini-Goals (no GK): Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-10
  • Length of Session: 3 min games, up to 15 mins
  • Number of Players: 6,8,10
  • Skills to Learn: game decisions, passing vs. dribbling, 1v1 situations
  • Equipment: regular cones, mini-goals/pug goals or large cones, pinnies, or different colored shirts. 

Description: Allow kids to compete in 4v4 small-sided games up to 3 mins long. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Set up the field based on the age of players. For younger players, 4-6, make a field about 15x 20 meters. For older groups, make the field a bit larger. 
  • Set up multiple fields if you have a large group. 
  • Use cones to create the outline of the field. 
  • Set up either mini-goals, pugg goals, or large cones as the goals. 
  • Split the players into even teams of 4, and give each team a color. 
4v4 Mini Goals Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com
4v4 Mini Goals Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions:

  1. Play 3 min games to the mini-goals. 
  2. Define how players earn points. You can create unique rules to shift the focus and practice different things. For example, you could make a 1-touch finish worth 2 points for older kids. 
  3. Keep the simple focus for kids 4-6, emphasizing taking the ball from the other team but not your team. Also, guide them to stay spread out and communicate. 
  4. For older kids, emphasize decision-making between passing and dribbling. 
  5. You can also use larger goals and add a GK for older kids, ages 9-10.

5-a-side possession games: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 5-a-side possession games
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 10 starting outfield players (goalkeepers and subs optional)
  • Skills learned: First touch, quick passing, pressing, intercepting, tackling
  • Equipment: 4 cones, multiple balls

Drill Setup

  • Use the space between the penalty box and the sideline for this drill. 
  • Create a 4-cone mini field by placing 2 cones at the corners of the penalty box, 1 cone on the corner flag, and 1 cone on the sideline. 
  • Divide the team into 2 groups of 5. 
  • If you have a large squad, consider increasing the size of the teams or adding a 3rd team. 
  • Players occupy whatever positions they want on the field.
  • The coach begins with the ball. 
Possession Games 2
Possession Games

Drill Instructions

  1. The coach starts the drill by kicking the first ball onto the playing field. The coach can choose to play the ball into space, between 2 players, or in the air.
  2. Players compete to win possession of the ball. 
  3. The goal of this drill is for either team to keep possession for as long as possible. 
  4. There are no goalposts and there are no goals allowed. 
  5. The defensive team plays as normal, using tackles, blocks, and interceptions to regain possession. 
  6. If the ball goes out of play, the coach restarts the game by kicking the ball onto the field. 

Drill Variations

  • Keep track of consecutive passes and set passing targets for each team. 
  • Create a competition where the first team to reach a certain number of passes wins. 
  • Consider adding mini goalposts, allowing teams to score after a certain number of passes. 

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Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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