possession soccer drills
Possession: complete drills that you can apply to help your team progress in the best conditions. Sign up to access all Possession drills.
Access more drillsPossession 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.
Our drills on the possession theme
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....
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....
5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U17
Possession game where the objective is to connect one goalkeeper to the other by prioritizing the forward pass in a 4v4 with two goalkeepers in the side zones....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Three-zone possession exercise to work on reactions to transitions, the disadvantage on the weak side, and movements preparing for a potential loss of possession and counter-pressing....
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Ball possession (or possession play) is not an “aesthetic” objective. It is a tool to control the game: you manage the tempo, make the opponent run, stabilize difficult phases, and create better conditions to attack. In training, working on possession mainly helps develop very concrete fundamentals: scanning, passing quality, body orientation, movement around the ball carrier, and immediate reaction after losing the ball.
On this page, you will find a list of possession exercises you can use in your training sessions. The goal of the text below is to provide a simple and actionable framework to help you choose, run, and progressively develop these situations so that your possession games have a real impact on the weekend.
What Does “Keeping Possession” Mean in Soccer?
Keeping possession does not mean passing the ball just for the sake of passing. It is about maintaining control under pressure while respecting three key ideas:
Security: limit dangerous turnovers (especially in central areas).
Control: dictate the tempo, attract pressure, move the opponent’s block.
Progression: create an advantage (space / time / numerical superiority) to move forward at the right moment.
Control: dictate the tempo, attract pressure, move the opponent’s block.
Progression: create an advantage (space / time / numerical superiority) to move forward at the right moment.
In simple terms: good possession prepares something. Even in a simple 4v4 + 2 neutral players, the intention changes everything: you keep the ball to draw the opponent in, then exploit the open space.
Why Work on Possession in Your Training Sessions?
The benefits are immediate, especially for amateur and developmental teams. A well-designed possession session improves:
- Player availability around the ball (support, angles, third-man runs).
- Technique under pressure (first touch direction, short passing, one- or two-touch play).
- Game awareness (scan before receiving, recognize pressure, play on the right side).
- Team cohesion (collective references: width, depth, spacing, passing angles).
- Transitions: reaction after losing possession (counter-pressing, recovery runs, protecting the center).
It is also a very adaptable theme: it works for all age groups, from playful possession games in grassroots soccer to more demanding positional play with U17–Senior teams.
The 6 Principles of Effective Possession
1. Proper Passing Distances
Too far = interceptions. Too close = congestion, turnovers, and collisions. Look for distances that allow control and pass without rushing.
2. Well-Structured Angles
The ball carrier should always have at least two options: one short option and one safety option. Off-the-ball players should position themselves diagonally, not on the same line.
3. Body Orientation and First Touch
Even before the pass, possession depends on:
- An open supporting foot.
- Half-turned body orientation.
- A first touch that protects the ball.
4. Scanning (Before / During / After)
A simple rule to repeat: “Scan before you receive.”
If players only watch the ball, your possession will remain fragile.
5. Tempo Variation
Possession also means knowing when to accelerate.
- Slow tempo: attract pressure, fix opponents, control the rhythm.
- Fast tempo: 2–3 sharp passes to escape pressure.
6. Reaction After Losing the Ball (Counter-Pressing)
Good possession always includes the moment of losing the ball. Every turnover should trigger a collective reaction: press for 2–3 seconds, close the center, and prevent the first pass. This is often where the exercise becomes truly educational.
How to Choose Your Possession Exercises
Use this quick framework we designed with the team at Soccer Coach Lab. It helps avoid running the same rondo every week without progression.
A. What Is Today’s Main Objective?
Choose one dominant objective for the session:
- Improve player availability around the ball (support and movement).
- Play under pressure (contact, aggression, intensity).
- Switch play / change sides.
- Find the free player.
- React after losing possession (defensive transition).
- Prepare build-up play against a specific defensive block.
B. What Level of Constraint?
Beginner / young players: larger spaces, free touches initially.
Intermediate: two touches, zones, directional objectives.
Advanced: organized pressing, channel constraints, conditional overloads.
Intermediate: two touches, zones, directional objectives.
Advanced: organized pressing, channel constraints, conditional overloads.
C. What Is the Success Indicator?
Simple examples (announce them before starting):
- X passes = 1 point
- Successful switch of play = 2 points
- Exit zone / reach target = 3 points
- Win the ball back within 3 seconds = bonus point
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Mistake 1: Players hide
Symptom: the ball carrier only has a backward pass.
Fix: require at least two options around the ball (one short + one safety). Reward runs into space rather than static positioning.
Mistake 2: Players force forward passes
Symptom: frequent turnovers from rushed vertical passes.
Fix: add a tempo rule: after winning the ball, complete two passes before accelerating forward.
Mistake 3: Possession stops after losing the ball
Symptom: everyone stops once possession is lost.
Fix: establish a fixed rule: 5–6 seconds of reaction (press, close the center, protect the middle).
Mistake 4: Players always play on the same side
Symptom: predictable and sterile possession.
Fix: reward switches of play (bonus point) and add zones or targets that encourage changing sides.
Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - Seniors
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Possession game with support at the 4 corners
15 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Ball retention exercise with a numerical advantage, seeking support in the corners to validate passing sequences....
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....
4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12 - U17
This drill, in the form of a small-sided 4v4 game with supporting players, will allow you to address concepts such as transition phases and focus upon losing possession....
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....
Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side
25 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
This exercise, inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, will allow you to work on the switch of play from the weak side, in order to directly deliver a cross behind the defense....
Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Claudio Ranieri during a training session at Leicester, this dynamic drill is perfect for getting your players to work on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the high area of the field....
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....
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Exercise combining a 6v4 possession drill with transitions in various phases of attacking-defensive and defensive-attacking play. You can, of course, adjust the distances and the number of players based on the level of your group....
Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U17
Very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on positioning and movement in a small space in a 4v2. A specific feature: some periods will be played with 2 balls....
4v4 Possession Game with Central Square
15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Ideal exercise for youth soccer with a small-sided 4v4 game, a central neutral player, and a variation with 2 mini-goals to offer a coherent progression to your players....
Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Exercise to work on spacing during the defensive-offensive transition in the attacking third, with this 6v6 possession game including 2 neutral players providing support....
Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U16
8v4 possession game with 6 support players that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition, as well as pressing upon losing the ball....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
This exercise on 3 zones by Diego Simeone, used at Atlético Madrid during the 2013/2014 season, is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the defensive third, with a situation of numerical disadvantage....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Inspired by a session from José Mourinho at Real Madrid, this exercise focuses on working on the attacking-defensive transitions in the high area of the field. The intensity you demand from your players upon losing the ball will be key during this drill....
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....
4v2 Possession Game with River Crossing
20 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U17
Classic possession game in 4v2 with a central river and quick attacking-defensive transitions....
Possession play and progressive switches of play
20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
This small-sided game with a numerical advantage and progression from zone to zone is ideal for youth teams and will help improve concentration while adding a competitive element....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
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....
4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Positioning, reaction time, and quality of passes are on the agenda for this possession exercise, perfect for working on key skills in a fun format....
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
A relatively simple possession drill to set up, but with certain constraints that will allow your players to work on transition play and counter-pressing, initiated by Ralf Rangnick....
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....
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....
6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for working like teams such as Liverpool or Manchester City. A short passing game followed by a through ball into a central area, followed by a new phase of possession. The quality of the 2 neutral players is crucial if you want to give rhythm to this exercise....
Possession drills classified by category
U10 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- Possession game with support at the 4 corners
- 4v4 Possession Game with Central Square
U11 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- Possession game with support at the 4 corners
- 4v4 Possession Game with Central Square
U12 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- Possession game with support at the 4 corners
- 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
U13 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates
- Possession game with support at the 4 corners
- 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
U14 possession soccer drills
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
- Possession game in 2 zones with role change
U15 possession soccer drills
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
- Possession game in 2 zones with role change
U16 possession soccer drills
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
- Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
U17 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
U18 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
U19 possession soccer drills
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
- Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side