By David Johnson
Objective
This session will focus on passing and maintain possession. The focus needs to be on proper weight and direction of the pass and the quality and creativity of the runs. Communication including calling for the ball and what areas are open such as calling “switch” are critical.
Set Up
In a 20x 20 grid, there are 2 teams of players. There is 3 players from each team in the grid forming a 3v3 situation. There are 2 players (1 from each team on the outside of the grid). The pairs on the outside are not allowed to enter the grid but are options for maintaining possession for the 3v3.
Execution
The 3v3 begins with normal possession games. The outside players can be options to maintain possession. The outside players are restricted to 2 touch and the opposing team member on the outside can only intercept the pass to the outside. Once the outside player touches it – no pressure from the outside players. The focus is to anticipate and intercept passing lanes not 1v1 defending. This exercise continues for 3 minutes before rotation of the 3v3 inside players.
The next iteration is for the outside players to be able to play each other with more active defending on the outside. Again only passes can be intercepted – there is not challenges on the ball in possession. However a bad touch that results in the ball not in control can be taken by the other team. See diagram 2.
Coaching Points
• Change the middle 3 players frequently. Every 3 minutes or so
• Passes must be weighted properly and sent to the correct foot of the receiver
• Remind players of in game situations where this is valuable and how the decisions of your teammates affects your decisions and options.
• Add touch restrictions – 2, 1 touch
• Add more defensive pressure by allowing 1v1 attacks on the outside
• Points awarded for consecutive passes or playing a certain outside player.
By David Johnson
David Johnson has been a high school coach for more than 20 years.
