The Setup
- You're going to need 4 cones to create a square grid, which can be made to your desired size.
- You need six or more players depending on how big you want to make the drill.
- Have four players standing at each side of the square, while two players are in the middle.
Instructions
- The players on the outside should start passing the ball around the square.
- The two defenders in the middle should then to try and get the ball from the outside players.
- Ten completed passes is a point and when done players should switch positions
Coaching Focus
- Make sure players on the outside are thinking fast and always on their toes.
- Players on the outside should be taking no more then two touches on the ball.
- Players should be constantly moving to support each other.
- The two defenders should be moving as a unit & constantly communicating with one another.
- The main focus should be to retain the ball as quickly and cleanly as possible.
- Defenders should also make sure they don't get split, as pointed out on the dotted line in the image.
- The ball SHOULD NEVER be able to pass between the two defenders.
How Will This Improve Passing ?
In terms of passing, limiting the players to two touches makes them
focus harder on the pass and making it really count. Since they don't
have that much time to think, they have to make sure they give a quality
pass. This will improve players passing for high pressure situations in
games. When other teams are defending you tight you'll have the ability
to beat them.
How Will This Improve Defending?
For defending, the movement and communication will increase team
chemistry. This will ultimately improve players defending in the long
term. The reason defenders shouldn't get split is because that ONE pass
beats TWO defenders, opposed to the defenders not getting split and
keeping their shape. In games this improves your teams defending as a
unit and helps players understand the concept of defending as a team.
