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Possession play and switching against a low block

Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense.

Animation: Possession play and switching against a low block
On a half-field, create a space of about 20x30m on the left side, as well as an adjacent 5x30m area, as indicated in the diagram. Then place 2 mini-goals and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) with a cone about 35m from the goal on the right side. Then set up a 5vs4 in the large area, place 1 player in the small area, and then a final player on the opposite side at the cone level.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The offensive players (here in blue) start with a possession game against the 4 defenders in the large area.
  2. After making at least 3 passes, they play to their teammate in the small area. No defender can press this player.
  3. The player will then make a through ball behind the defense to their teammate on the opposite side.
  4. This player finishes their action on the large goal.
  5. If the defenders regain possession, they must score as quickly as possible on one of the 2 mini-goals.
  6. Change the 2 offensive players every 3 minutes or so.

Progression

After a few rounds, you can propose these different progressions: 
  • A defender can press the player in the small area (only one).
  • Players are limited to 2 touches of the ball.
  • The player in the small area can participate in the possession game (which then creates a 6vs4).
  • Players must make at least 5 passes before playing to the player in the small area.
  • The game is played in the same way, but on the opposite side (remember to set up the cones before the start of the exercise).

Discover our scanning U18 drills

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

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20 min
15-21 joueurs
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Positional play in 4 zones where the team in possession must maintain a 3v3 (+3 neutral players) and then switch of play to another zone after 8 to 10 passes....
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15 min
14-18 joueurs
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Possession game in 2 zones with role change

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15 min
14-18 joueurs
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Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
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Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense....
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The U18 category includes players aged 17-18 years.
J. Klopp: agility and reaction time training with the ball

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15 min
6-22 joueurs
Conditioning
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Used during a training session at Liverpool, this agility drill is ideal to introduce at the beginning of a session (after a complete warm-up). Very dynamic, it is generally appreciated by the players....
Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2

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15 min
10-18 joueurs
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Used by Mikel Arteta during a training session at Arsenal, this drill will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with a 4v2 followed by a 6v4....
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8-24 joueurs
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Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches

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20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
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15 min
8-18 joueurs
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15 min
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20 min
10-18 joueurs
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15 min
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15 min
4-14 joueurs
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18 min
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20 min
18-20 joueurs
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8 min
8-16 joueurs
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8 min
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20 min
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