possession U20 soccer drills

possession U20 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the possession aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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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 possession U20 drills

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

20 min
15-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
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

5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U20
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
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....
Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
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

Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U17
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
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Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - Seniors
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
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....
Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U19
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

Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U19
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

Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U20
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

Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U18
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....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
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

Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U20
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....
Possession play and progressive switches of play

Possession play and progressive switches of play

20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U20
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 play and high press in 2 zones

Possession play and high press in 2 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U20
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....
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U20
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

7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes

15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U16
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

Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U16
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

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

Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
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....

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