Soccer Drill
Two-Zone Build-Up Possession Game
Description
This build-up play drill helps players improve possession, width, depth, passing angles, and switching play under pressure. It is a great soccer possession drill for teaching players how to build play patiently, use support players, create passing options, and recognize when to switch the point of attack.
Set up two rectangular areas, around 15x25 to 20x30 meters, depending on the age, number of players, and skill level. Play 3v3 or 4v4 with three support players/bouncers helping the team in possession.
After completing four passes, the team looks to play forward into the far bouncer in the second rectangle. All players, except for the bouncer on the far end, then move across to support the ball and the game continues in the new area.
Coaching Points
- Create width and depth so the player on the ball has forward, sideways, and backward passing options.
- Scan before receiving to know where pressure is coming from and where the next pass can go.
- Use the bouncers to keep possession, change the angle of attack, and escape pressure.
- Move after passing to create a new passing lane and support the next player.
- Be patient in possession; do not force the forward pass before the team has created the right angle.
- React quickly after the switch by moving across as a team to provide support around the ball.
- Defending team should press together.