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Three FREE Exercises: Verticality in Possession!!

Writer: Gary CurneenGary Curneen


There is no doubt that possession matters. But in the modern game with the increase in analysis and data, there is now more focus than ever on what a team does with the ball As a consequence, when coaches are designing game models today, the vast majority are looking to establish a system of play that is underpinned by a possession style, along with a degree of verticality. In this week’s MSC Breakdown, we take a look at session ideas around ways that coaches can play a possession-based game but also progress it, create chances and have an attacking, entertaining style.


Below is a YouTube breakdown highlighting three ideas. If you enjoy this content, please subscribe to our MSC YouTube page.



Below are the breakdowns to each exercise explained in the video:


Exercise 1: 7v7 Attacking Runs Game



  • Players are organized into two teams of seven inside a 20x40 yard area

  • The pitch is split into three zones with four mini-goals located at diagonal lines, facing away from the field

  • Each team attacks two mini-goals and defends two mini-goals

  • The objective of the game is for the team in possession to progress the ball and also supporting teammates into one of the attacking quadrants to score

  • Players are challlenged to support ahead of the ball at all times

  • There are no restrictions in possession, so coaches can encourage teams to be equally direct in their movement and decisions in transition moments also




2v1 Progression Challenge



  • Exercise takes place inside a 10x30 yard area, split into three zones

  • Attackers are organized in pairs

  • Three defenders each occupy one zone

  • The objective of the attacking pair is to progress past three 2v1 scenarios, and score in one of the mini-goals at the bottom

  • Defensive players are always restricted to their own zone

  • There is a 12 second Shot Clock to complete the task

  • If the defenders win possession, they look to play forward immediately into the highest teammate, who then looks to score in the mini-goal at the top



7v5 'Skip a Line'


  • Exercise takes place inside. a30x40 yard area, split into three zones

  • Attacking team (in red) are organized with three defenders in the first zone, two midfielders in the second zone, and two forwards in the third zone

  • Defending team (in blue) are set-up with one forward in the first zone, two midfielders in the second zone, and two defenders plus a GK in the third zone

  • Ball starts with the red defenders with the objective of ultilizing the 3v1 overload and playing into the highest space available

  • Once ball is played into the third zone, one attacking midfielder can go and support to create an attacking overload

  • If the blue team wins possession, they can break out (remove the zones) and score in the mini-goals





 
 
 

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