Train Midfielders and Defenders to Pass to Feet or Space

With only two practices per week with my teams I've found that it works best to focus on a technical topic (Running with the Ball, Dribbling, Control, Shooting) during our first practice of the week and then Passing and Possession progressing to a small-sided game during the second session. We also do one shooting exercise toward the end of practice just to keep a focus on that before the weekend.

I'm always looking for variations on possessions games to focus on different aspects of possession and to keep the practice fresh. I was reminded of one recently when I was looking through one of our best selling books, 'Players' Roles and Responsibilities in Systems of Play'. By creating target areas in each corner the players have a target area to direct their possession toward but since there are four of them, the defenders can't cover them all. This gives the players the opportunity to read the pressure and then move the ball to the open space.

Here are two of the functional small-sided games that are presented as games to train midfielders and  defenders to pass to feet or space but they are appropriate for players of all positions.

Organization - Passing on the run to feet to targetsArea 40 long 30 wide

1. 4 target players in corner boxes 5 x 5 yards
2. Play 4 v 4 in the middle
3. Score by playing the ball into Target players , cant score in the same corner in succession, Although you can play back to the same target as a support pass to retain possession.
4. Progressions, Unlimited touch, 3 touch, 2 touch, 1 touch
5. Target players 2 touch, or 1 touch.
6. Change Target Player

Coaching Points

• Good control with ball at your feet, keep head up , Vision
• Use the inside / outside of the foot to pass the ball
• Good speed ,weight and accuracy on your pass
• Movement of the ball

Organization - Passing to Space

1. Area 60 long 40 wide
2. Corner boxes 5 x 5 yards
3. Play 6 v 6 or 8 v 8 in the middle
4. Score by playing the ball into the corner.
5. Player cannot stand in the box to receive, they must time there run into the box
6. Cannot score in the same corner in succession,
7. Progressions, Unlimited touch, 3 touch, 2 touch, 1 touch

Coaching Points

• Good control with ball at your feet, keep head up , Vision
• Use the inside / outside of the foot to pass the ball
• Good speed ,weight and accuracy on your pass
• Movement of the ball, Timing of runs into corner

I've used this book many times as a reference for to help explain the roles of a particular player. It describes the responsibilities of each position in a wide range of formations including 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2, 3-4-3, etc. In addition to the descriptions it also provides functional training for each position that will help you teach your players their specific roles.

If you have another variation of these possession games that you'd like to share, please let it as a comment below.

Have a Great Day!

Tom