Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Passing and possession warm-up

Screen 1

2 groups of 4 players. Set up multiple squares based on numbers. 2 or 3 balls in each square. Area should be 10-15m x 10-15m

Progression 1

Players must pass only to players on the opposite team. After each pass, players must move off into different direction looking to receive ball again from teammates. Focus and emphasis on players calling to receive ball, and talking when passing ball off - communication

Progression 2

Each player has their own number 1-4. Now, players must only pass to someone on their team, and must follow the number sequence. e.g. 1 passes to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 1 and so on. Can then reverse the order etc

Essentially, we are starting with players getting a touch on the ball before progressing into the possession based activities with opposition. Screen (4) is another example that can replace Progression 1 and 2 for this exercise

Progression 3

Screen 2: 4v2 possession. 4 blues try keep ball off 2 reds, until they eventually win the ball. Once reds win the ball, the two reds on the outside come in, and 2 blues go to outside, with the reds now in possession in a 4v2. Keeps repeating, as eventually blues will win ball, and 2 reds will go to outside and blues come in.

To keep high intensity, if the reds haven't won the ball in 30 seconds, the 2 reds on the outside can shout 'change'. This will mean that the two defending reds go to the outside, with the 2 fresh reds coming in to try win ball off the blues.

Progression 4

Screen 3:

2v2 in the middle, with 2 blues and 2 reds on the outside. The aim is for each team to keep possession of ball, and transfer ball from one side of pitch to the other. Can start with players being to pass to either outside player, and then transition into can only play their teammates. Swap players in middle and players on outside every 1.5 - 2 minutes.

Screen 3

Progression 4

Screen 3:

2v2 in the middle, with 2 blues and 2 reds on the outside. The aim is for each team to keep possession of ball, and transfer ball from one side of pitch to the other. Can start with players being to pass to either outside player, and then transition into can only play their teammates. Swap players in middle and players on outside every 1.5 - 2 minutes.