positional play soccer drills
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Access more drills7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in February 2019, this possession game is ideal for working on the positioning and movement of your players.
On a half-field, set up 4 gates as shown in the diagram and form 2 teams of 7 players, as well as 3 neutral players. Also, make sure to place balls all around the field to avoid wasting time in case of a ball out and maintain high intensity.
The game starts with a pass from the coach to the blue team. The blues must maintain possession with the help of the 3 neutral players while the 7 yellow players try to win it back. The goal for the blue team is to make a pass through one of the gates. However, they cannot pass through the same gate twice in a row.
When the yellows win the ball, it's their turn to perform a possession game to try to find a teammate through a gate.
Variation 1: you can require your players to make the pass through the gate with one touch. This will increase the intensity of the exercise and make the task slightly more difficult for your players.
Variation 2: you can also ask your players to dribble through the gates, specifying that only team players can score a point. The neutral players are only there for support.
Variation 2: passing through the gates
Our drills on the positional play theme
M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Ball circulation sequence working on build-up play under pressure on the strong side, followed by a quick switch of play to the weak side to finish in a mini-goal, inspired by a session proposed by Marcelo Bielsa....
Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
15 min
15-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Two teams each maintain possession in their own half and look to penetrate through one of the gates to switch of play, under pressure from a third team....
Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
3v3 game with goalkeepers and two wide supports to create link-ups on the wide areas and find a situation for a give-and-go or a cross before shooting....
Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
20 min
15-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
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....
6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
6v6 game with goalkeepers where teams must attack with width and skip the restricted zone to play a through ball....
Progress with our drills
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The “Juego de Posicion”, or Positional Play, is a philosophy that allows you to dominate the opponent through the positioning of your players on the field. Positional play allows you to have a game model with very specific characteristics: playing the ball in coordination with the different moments and phases of the game (which are interconnected).
It can be said that it's an idea, an identity, a style, a way of seeing and understanding the game. For many, it reflects a way of playing as well as the behavior of a team in competition. Thanks to positional play, you will have the opportunity to create numerical advantages, based on the positioning of your players on the field, especially when you are in possession of the ball. The ultimate goal is to dominate the opponent's defense spatially.
Here are some important concepts to master positional play:
It can be said that it's an idea, an identity, a style, a way of seeing and understanding the game. For many, it reflects a way of playing as well as the behavior of a team in competition. Thanks to positional play, you will have the opportunity to create numerical advantages, based on the positioning of your players on the field, especially when you are in possession of the ball. The ultimate goal is to dominate the opponent's defense spatially.
Here are some important concepts to master positional play:
- Look for the pass into nearby spaces to then play a long pass to a free player, which is generally called "draw to free up".
- Passes must produce “something”, the idea is not to pass just for the sake of passing.
- You need to know when to continue dribbling (to draw a defender, for example) and when to release the ball.
“You will not score if you do not make your opponent come out”
Pep Guardiola
We invite you to consult our complete guide on positional play to learn more.
6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Positional play where 6 players maintain possession against 3 pressing, with objectives of passing and quick transitions to mini-goals....
Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Dynamic layoff-support circuit where players combine quick passes, directional controls, and support runs before attacking the depth....
8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U19
Build-up play and connection between wide players and forwards in an 8v8 structured into five zones....
7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Small-sided game in 7v7 with two wide areas dedicated to 1v1 before a cross and shooting in the box....
Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
This drill, used during a training session at Manchester City, is ideal for working on a specific offensive combination with playing between the lines through a passing circuit....
Practicing the diamond play with shooting on mini goals
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Small passing drill with shooting on mini goals, ideal for working on automatisms and getting your players accustomed to triangle play when positioned in a diamond formation....
Diamond play with passing combinations
18 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U19
Simple drill to set up but allows working on the diamond shape from different angles and through various combinations. This is actually a drill used by the German national team during a training session....
Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
10 min
10-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U17 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, this drill, which can be included in warm-ups, focuses on three and four-player combinations with an emphasis on speed of execution....
Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team, this possession game takes place in 6 zones and will allow your players to work on passing combinations and creating spaces for playing between the lines....
Shooting with diamond play from the German national team
20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
Drill used during a training session of the German national team, it will allow you to work on several different combinations in front of the goal, with a focus on diamond play....
Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Small-sided game with a focus on possession work and an attacking transition, which forms the core of this exercise. Note that several variations are possible....
Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
20 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Excellent exercise proposed by Luis Enrique during his time at AS Roma, with this 6v6 small-sided game on 3 mini goals, which allows for addressing different themes such as the use of width or playing between the lines....
Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by R. Benitez during a training session in Naples, this drill will help you work on two essential aspects: finding the gap for the team in possession of the ball, and effectively blocking passing lanes for the defending team....
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Luis Enrique during a training session at FC Barcelona in 2015, this drill, which places your players in a situation across 3 zones, will allow you to work on finding the free player and playing between the lines....
Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)
18 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Unai Emery during a training session at Arsenal in 2018, this drill aims to work on positional play through a 5v5 possession game with 2 neutral players....
Rondo and Switch of Play in 4 Zones by Rafael Benitez
20 min
18-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Rafael Benitez at Napoli, this drill will force your players to stay constantly engaged in the game and continuously offer solutions, thanks to the rule of a maximum of 4 passes....
Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play
15 min
7-19 joueurs
Warm-up
U10 - U13
This drill, structured as a passing sequence with a double triangle, is perfect for working on alternating between short passing game and direct play. The team chemistry will be on point!...
3v3 (+4) with support players and position change
18 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
This 3v3 with 4 support players is ideal for working on communication, game awareness, and decision-making. Under pressure in the central zone, your players will need to lift their heads and find support before they can finish on 4 mini goals....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U19
This exercise involves a 6v6 match with 3 attacking jokers on a reduced field. It's ideal for working on movement and decision-making under opponent pressure....
Possession game in 2v4 then 4v8 with central zone
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U17
Small-sided game with 3 teams of 4 players and a central zone ("river") to work on positioning and movement in tight spaces....
5v5 opposition with "4 corner jokers"
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U15
This 5v5 small-sided game with 4 neutral players will allow your players to progressively take control of the field by "unlocking" the neutral players one by one....
Possession play and high press in 2 zones
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, this exercise is ideal for working on the high press on the field and quick transitions. Emphasize the importance of executing the press collectively....
Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5
20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on offensive combinations using a central player who will act as a pivot....
7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in February 2019, this possession game is ideal for working on the positioning and movement of your players....
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
This drill is ideal for working on counterattacks in match situations. You can implement different variations to add rhythm to a session and offer a quality drill to your players (exercise used by Manchester City in April 2019)....
6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
This possession drill focuses on three aspects: space management, passing quality, and speed of execution. With numerous variations, it is ideal for adding tempo to your session....
Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals
20 min
19-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used in 2014 by Pep Guardiola during Bayern Munich's summer preparation, this exercise is ideal for training your players in the famous "positional play," as well as the importance of movement....
Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Guardiola at FC Barcelona (B team) in 2008, this possession exercise with a numerical advantage is perfect for training your players to utilize the advantage of numbers during an attacking phase....
Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
14 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent technical drill for defenders to work on speed of movement, agility, and coordination. Conducted by Bayern Munich during a training session in 2013....
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones
30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Still based on Positional Play, this exercise allows you to work with your players on quick recovery (gegenpressing) as well as switching play under pressure. A perfect mix!...
"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
The "Juego de Posicion" popularized by Pep Guardiola is an important element of this game, ideal for a large number of players. Positioning will be crucial throughout the drill....
Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
15 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
An ideal exercise to work on ball possession and quick transitions while adopting the mindset of "Positional Play" and can be performed just as well in pre-season as during the year. Emphasize the intensity of the transitions!...
"Juego de Posición" in possession 3v3 + 2 at high intensity
12 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
A typical game of "Positional Play" popularized by Pep Guardiola, which will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition while consistently maintaining a high level of intensity....
Effectively utilizing the spaces between the lines
18 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
This drill is perfect for learning how to exploit spaces between the opposing lines. It was designed to find the free player between the lines and in the space available created by the gap between the defense and the midfield....
"Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
20 min
11-12 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Inspired by Pep Guardiola's famous "Juego de Posición," this drill is perfect for working on your players' positioning and their relationship with space....
Dribble and immediate follow-up
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U15
Ideal drill for getting your players to work on their sequence after the dribble. They practice lifting their heads and gathering information after the dribble and quickly releasing the ball....
Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
By having the defense work on zonal marking starting from a 6v6, your players improve on various tactical concepts: getting open, defensive cover, and balance to prevent the through ball....
Speed of play and quickness in 6v6 with support
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a 6v6 with support players, this drill works on both the quickness of your players and ball control in high-speed play....
Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
8 min
16-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U16 - Seniors
Ideal exercise to improve your players' group positioning....
Build-up play: finding space between the lines
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Starting with a 7v7 on half a field, your players practice finding open space between the opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play. The focus is also on seeking to stretch the opposing team to open up spaces....
Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Starting from a 7v7 on a half-field, your players practice finding open space between opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play....
Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
With this exercise, your forwards work on positioning between the lines to provide options in build-up play and attack construction. They also practice shooting....
Switch of play and defensive positioning game
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Exercise focusing on training your players on switches of play and positional play in defense. It also allows the coach to emphasize either attack or defense according to their requirements....
Collective ball retention through the short passing game
20 min
8-10 joueurs
Tactical
U11 - U15
By working on collective ball retention using short passing game, your players get used to moving the ball and building up play calmly....
Free Play: Positioning and Space Occupation
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U10 - U13
Free play on half-field to put players in match situations: allows for working on positioning, movement, and emphasizes the importance of keeping your head up....
Possession game with 3 teams and river
20 min
12-15 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal possession exercise to work on passing speed and game awareness on a defined area. Remind your players of the importance of communication during this possession drill....
Positional play drills classified by category
U10 positional play soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- 7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
- Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play
U11 positional play soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- 7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
- Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play
U12 positional play soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- 7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
- Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play
U13 positional play soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- 7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
- Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play
U14 positional play soccer drills
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
U15 positional play soccer drills
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
U16 positional play soccer drills
- M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- 6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals
U17 positional play soccer drills
- M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
U18 positional play soccer drills
- M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
U19 positional play soccer drills
- M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
- Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play