LA Mastery Warm-Up | Possession Training That Sharpens Decision-Making

Overview

• Runs with 4 players
• A 10m x 10m field is about right
• Great for teams that want to tighten up possession and decision-making
• Works from U12 on up through the development years, all the way to adult and senior sides

Objectives

• Speed up split-second decisions and reaction time on the ball
• Sharpen passing accuracy and timing
• Build quick turns and solid body balance
• Strengthen communication and connection with the outside players

Setup

Set up a 10m x 10m grid with one player in the middle and three around the outside. Each of the three outside players holds a different-colored gate (cones) and calls the direction they want the center player to play.

1) The center player receives the ball and plays it back to an outside player

2) The outside player calls out their color and returns the ball to the center player

3) The center player reads the call from the coach or an outside player, then makes a quick decision and plays to the gate of that color

4) Keep the cycle going for 45 seconds

5) After 45 seconds, swap out the center player