2v2+2 Continuous Possession Grid

By Anthony Hazelwood

The following directional activity has a playing area where two teams of four possess or defend. Players will be working to adapt their anaerobic capacity through phases of intermittent endurance. Each grid will be a 16 x 16 yd. area. To begin, two players from each team will be placed on the sideline opposite to each other. Then, the two remaining players will be placed in the grid. Once inside, the team in possession will be using the sideline teammates to create a 4 vs. 2 scenarios When the defending team retains possession of the ball, they will use their two sideline players to keep possession making it a 4 vs. 2 for them. Once the 1-minute repetition is complete, the sideline players will switch with the inside players to repeat.

When preparing the activity, if needed, concentration and difficulty levels may be increased by having players execute something extra unique by setting more restrictions. Every activity may be modified, and it is up to the coach to be creative. However, it is important to respect the parameters of the exercise time, the rest, the types of actions used and the weekly periodization of the activity.

Additionally, it is beneficial to train a soccer team and its players with all the elements of the game is present in the session. By doing so, it will promote soccer specific adaptations to the player’s body, mind, and emotional triad. Ultimately, these adjustments will enhance their real-time game performances on a physical, emotional, conscious, and subconscious mental level.

Area Size: 16 d. x 16 yd.
Total Activity Time: 10 minutes.
Sets: 4.
Number of Repetitions: 2
Activity Repetition Time: 1-minute seconds
Recovery Interval Time between reps: 10 seconds.
Intensity: High.

Objectives:
• Tactical: Pair defending principles under high intensity. Attacking shape and circulation.
• Fitness: Maintain high intense corporal actions.
• Technique: Proper fitness and off/on the ball execution/techniques.
• Mental-Emotional: Players fully engaged and concentration is high.
• Concentration Level: High.

Setup:
• Create a 16 x 16-yard grid.

• Make two teams of four players.
• Place two players on opposite sideline from each team.

• Place the other two players in middle grid.

• On whistle, throw ball in the middle. The team in possession play a 4 vs. 2.

• On a turnover, the defending now attacking team play in a 4 vs. 2.

• This will last for 1 minute. 10 seconds in between reps and quickly begin again.

Activity Progression:
• Play a one touch with the outside player and two touch on the inside restriction.
• One touch everywhere.

Coaching Points:
• Attacking Shape.
• Supporting player on ball with proper angles.
• Aggressive defending behaviors.
• Pressure and cover defending principles.
• Keep track of time, 30 second on – 30-second rest.
• High intensity.
• Proper technique and Proper Exercise Movement.

By Anthony Hazelwood

Coach Anthony is a USSF “A” licensed coach with an M.S. in Sports Training and Nutrition and a B.S. in Physical Education. Currently, he is an Assistant and Sports Performance coach with the Miami FC. He has previous European youth academy coaching experience as a soccer fitness and strength/conditioning assistant coach with Levante U.D. and Getafe SAD in Valencia and Madrid, Spain.

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