Possession
Coach: Renata Lawson
Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club
Role: Director of Coaching
Qualification: USSF “D” (United States)
Date: November 2, 2020
Duration: 1 hour
Age Group: U5–U18
Session Objective
Develop ball control to improve possession.
Warm-Up: Roxborough Windows (4–8 minutes)
Description
Two-thirds of the players have a ball and continuously cycle through a 30-yard diameter circle. Players receiving a pass on the outside of the circle chop through the ball and dribble through the square in the middle.
Once inside the square, players should change direction and look to pass to a player on the outside of the circle who does not have a ball. After making the pass, the player takes the spot of the player they passed to.
Coaching Points
- Encourage players to check in to receive the pass
- Emphasize keeping control of the ball—the ball should never stop
- Players in the middle should dribble with their head up until they find a pass
- Outside players without a ball should call for the ball and help direct dribblers
- Keep players on their toes, anticipating the next pass
Activity 1: Rondo (15 minutes)
Description
Using the same space as the previous activity, one-third of the team plays defense for 4–5 minutes.
Count consecutive passes by the attacking team. If the defending group earns more consecutive passes than the attacking group, the attacking team completes 10 up-downs at the end of the round.
Play three rounds so every player gets a turn defending.
Coaching Points
- Players should keep their head up unless actively striking the ball
- Encourage quick touches to keep the ball moving
- Reinforce passing away from pressure
Activity 2: Zone Soccer (15–20 minutes)
Description
Set up a 30×40 yard field with 10-yard deep end zones on each end.
Teams score by connecting a pass to a teammate inside an end zone. After scoring in one end zone, the team must attempt to score in the opposite end zone, unless possession is lost.
Once possession is regained, teams may score in either end zone. Players may move freely throughout the field.
Progressions
- Limit touches
- Add out-of-bounds restrictions if needed
Coaching Points
- Encourage a first touch into space
- Keep the ball moving at all times
- Use the same communication cues emphasized in the warm-up
Activity 3: Scrimmage (15–20 minutes)
Description
Game.
Coaching Points
- Remind players to keep the ball close and moving
- Encourage playing with the head up
- Help players recognize and use their passing options