[Dan Roudebush]

Here's an exercise I use to teach both.

Watching the lack of communication and reads in the US games reminded me of this posssession game I have used to try to get guys to see when to make their runs.

It's similar to possession games, but adds advancement to the games objectives. .

Pressure can be controlled by varying the box size. Start out large to encourage success, then start shrinking by marching th corner and mid markers in two paces at a time.

It's basically two squares which I won't draw except for the center line.

B B | A
AA | A
BB |

A |BB
A | AA
|BB

The four B's play keepaway from the two A's. They then try to move the ball into the adjoining box against the other A's without losing possession. The A's on the left cannot track back, but then setup to prevent the B's coming back to the left, while the A's on the right hunt, etc.

If the A's win the ball they pass back to their supporting players, and move into the single box. B's can only go after them with two players, leaving two behind to prevent A's advancing into it, etc.

You can vary the game by making the boxes wide to encourage rapid switching, or longer to encourage through balls.

This is not an easy exercise. You must have progressed through 3 v 1 and 4 v 2 in tight spaces befoehand.

After 5- 10 minutes add pop up goals at the end lines to getter closer to match conditions (shooting).

[goyoureddevils]

Like it a lot!

Thanks

[Hattrix]

This is a great suggestion. I particularly like the adjustment to dimensions in order to stress a horiziontal buildup for a more methodical attack or the quick counterattacking penetration. Excellent modification of a drill, and a great opportunity to discuss tactics while praciticing technique.

I've used another drill that is somewhat similar, and uses six players. (I find this important since my roster is pretty small and not always exempary in attendance.) I expect to use it as a stepping stone to the more advanced 4v2 detailed in this thread.

There are two adjacent boxes about 8 or 10 yards square. 3v1 is played on one side while two members of each team wait in the other box. the 3 have to complete a certain number of passes (say five) before they are allowed to penetrate into the other box, where they play 3v1 again. This game is supposed to foster communication and awaress about supporting when one player is penetrating with the ball or making the run before the ball. It also requires decisions about who hangs back. It's not necessarily a one (yeah, right) or two touch game, so one person can wind up doing an awful lot of work and then needing a rest. Hanging back and watching for a while allows that.

If the defender wins the ball from the 3, he passes to his teammate in the other box, then joins him to play 2v1. If they complete five passes, the game stops for a moment and the former defenders trade vests with the player they just defeated and one other of their choice, and the game resumes with a 3v1.

If the ball leaves the square a kick in is awarded to the appropriate side where it went out.

[Richie]

Hello Dan,

I read your post a few weeks ago. I didn't answer then because I always have trouble seeing the concept in a diagram form for some reason. I can't focus on it for some reason.

All of a sudden I saw it and I like it very good.

Richie

[Dan Roudebush]

Thanks Ritchie

Hattrix has provided some lead in games that provide less pressure. What if you now want to rachet the pressure up?

You'll notice in the original post I varied pressure by shrinking the boxes.

Another way is add defenders.

Variation #1 is obvious. Put more pressure on possession aspect by moving a third A into the B box. That gives you a 4 v3 possession wise, but only leaves one A protecting the other box from advancement.

If you let the A's DECIDE when to apply three man pressure it get's interesting.

The B's should realize they play hold the ball 4 v 2 until the pressure is ratched up by the third man entering their box and then they should advance quickly.

#2 if they can't quite handle this variation you can make the boxes bigger OR

Add a deep keeper about 10 yards behind the box that can only play with feet on a back pass.

Variation #3 is to vary pressure using speed. Cut the number of touches down to two. If they find this difficult it probably means you need some passing work to get passes to the far foot, and/or adjusting the body for same to keep the first touch away from defenders and toward the direction they want to go.

Note you don't want to do this too long since it eliminates the option of beating a man and/or advancing into the adjoining box by dribbling.

Use 6 a side with two from each side out resting. Insist on high intensity by the players playing and let them change on the fly. (older kids)

More later.

But you'll notice what we are doing here. Varying pressure by :

1. Varying structured space

2. Varying # defenders

3. Varying speed of play.

Start out so the players are successful. You may have to drop pressure. Then start ratcheting it up. Try different combinations of the above variables.

I'm busy this weekend. But if you want me to blow this up further for a target forward , interchange second & third attacker, let me know. You can probably guess how I would do that.