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TOUCHLINELAB

Possession drill

Three-Zone Possession 6v6+2

Two teams compete to keep the ball across three zones, with two neutral players who always play with the team in possession. A point is scored by switching play from one end zone to the other through the middle.

  • 12–16 players
  • 20 minutes
  • 40 × 30 m
  • Advanced · U13–U16
Three-Zone Possession 6v6+2 drill diagramZone AZone C123456123456NN

Objective

Draw the opponent into one zone, then switch through the middle to the free side.

Coaching points

  • Scan before receiving: know where the free zone is
  • Make the pitch big in possession, compact out of possession
  • Neutral players move to offer a central angle
  • On losing the ball, the nearest three press immediately

Progressions

  • Two-touch for the team in possession
  • Neutral players one-touch only
  • Remove one neutral

Regressions

  • Add a third neutral
  • Allow passes directly between end zones

Equipment

8 cones, bibs (3 colours), balls

Tactical relevance

Reflects attracting pressure on one side and attacking the weak side.

Technical focus

Passing under pressure, Scanning

Tactical focus

Switching play, Creating overloads, Counter-pressing