Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play (U18)

Mark out a field of approximately 15x45m with 2 zones at each end of 15x10m, as well as a central space of 15x25m. You should achieve the same setup as in the animation above. Then form 3 teams of 6 players, one team in each end zone (blue and yellow) and one team in the central zone (red). Keep a supply of balls near you.

The exercise starts with a pass from the coach to the blue players. Two red players then come to defend in the zone, to create a 6v2. The blue players must make at least 6 passes before they can then play a long aerial pass to the yellow team (in the zone at the other end). The remaining 4 players of the red team can attempt to intercept the long pass by leaving their zone. If they succeed, they switch places with the blue team.

If the yellow team receives the long pass from the blue team, 2 red players must then quickly move to defend in the yellow zone. The initial 2 defenders reposition themselves in the central zone. This again creates a 6v2 situation between the yellow and red teams.

If the 2 red players win the ball in the yellow zone, they will then switch places with the yellow team. They will take the ball out of the zone and the coach will play a ball into the red zone, where they will attempt to make at least 6 passes. Meanwhile, 2 yellow players must quickly go to defend in the red zone, to recreate a 6v2 situation. The other 4 yellow players position themselves in the central zone. The exercise continues in this manner.

With this comprehensive drill, you will be able to work with your players on many aspects: positional play, ball possession in tight spaces, switch of play and quick transitions as well as defending in a numerical disadvantage.

We recommend emphasizing the importance of putting a lot of intensity during transitions. As soon as the ball is lost, 2 players must quickly move towards the opposite zone to get back into a defensive position.