Play Like Spain – Possession in Tight Spaces
1. Possession Boxes – 20 minutes
- Easy: 3 v 1/4 v 1/5 v 1
- Moderate: 5 v 2/6 v 2 7 v 2
- Advanced: 3 v 2 4 v 2/5 v 3
- Coach sets out a number of passes as a target which = 1 goal
- Coach can vary size of areas, numbers of players to suit certain individuals,
- Advance: allow players more freedom – rotate, collect in the middle
Key Tips
- Play touch under high pressure (back foot)
- Play 2/3 touch when no pressure on the ball
- Wait until the pressure arrives before passing
- Know where the next pass is before it arrives
- Add disguise and flair to the pass
- Use both feet
- When rotating – perform early with good verbal/nonverbal communication
2. ‘Rhonda Session’ – 20 minutes
- 3 teams of 4 players (adaptable to 3 3’s)
- Whites must combine with any Red at any time (Red can pass to Red)
- The primary playmakers are the 2 middle Whites and the objective is to get them on the ball as much as possible
- The Yellows look to tackle White but cannot tackle the outside players
- If the Yellows win the ball cleanly, they pass to an end White and rotate role with the Reds – Whites must look to play quickly in the transition
- The practice continues
- Coach rotates the roles of the teams
Key Tips
- Whites be aware of surroundings by scanning the pitch repeatedly
- Whites play quickly with quality
- Yellows press quickly and together
- Reds – Play eyes up, recycle the ball if no pass is on a White
- Keep the ball!
- All players must be switched on at all times
3. Combination Play – ‘Finishing’ 20 minutes
- 3 teams of equal numbers
- Coach designates 1 defending team
- The other 2 teams can link with each other
- See diagram 8 v 4 (Reds = defenders)
- Players are on a one touch limit
- To score there has to be a minimum of 2 passes before a shot at one of the 4 goals
- The practices encourage quick link up play
- Coach ensures every team defends
- Add GK if you have them
Competition
- 10 ball sequences – add scores up when everyone has defended
- Counter attack goals count
Key Tips
- Scan the pitch repeatedly to know where the next pass is and where the nearest goal is
- Set the ball cleanly in front the ball striking player
