Third-man possession game
Possession where a third-man combination (A to B, B lays off to C who was the planned target) scores. Teaches players to look past the first pass.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Two teams; coach explains a third-man combination.
- Neutrals optional.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Keep possession.
- A completed third-man combination (wall pass to a third player who is moving) scores two points; 8 passes scores one.
- Defenders win it and do the same.
Coaching points
- Passer: look at the third player before you play the first pass.
- Middle player: set it first time.
- Third player: move as the first pass is played.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Add a neutral who is always the middle player
Make it harder
- Two-touch
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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More possession drills
Possession with neutrals (4v4+2)
Two teams of four play keep-ball with two neutral players who always help the team in possession, so it's always 6v4.
See the drill โEnd-to-end possession (target players)
Two teams keep the ball and try to play it from a target player at one end to the target at the other. Possession with a purpose: keep it, then go forward when it's on.
See the drill โThree-team possession
Two teams keep the ball together against the third. The team that loses it becomes the defenders. Intense, constant transitions and lots of overloads.
See the drill โKeep-ball with overloads (5v2 to 5v5)
Start with a big overload so players taste success, then add defenders every few minutes until it's even. A simple progression that builds possession under growing pressure.
See the drill โPossession to score through gates
Teams score by passing through a gate to a teammate on the other side. With gates everywhere, players learn to switch play and find the free option.
See the drill โPossession with wall (bounce) players
A 3v3 or 4v4 in the middle with bounce players on each side who play for whoever has the ball. Teaches using support players, quick combinations and switching.
See the drill โ