From Possession to Finishing | 5v4 → 3v2 Progression

Overview

• Teams looking to take their possession game up another level
• Players who need to read the game and play out of the other team’s press
• Groups wanting cleaner, more accurate passing with numbers down
• Anyone working on that final decision and finishing in and around the box

Objectives

• Move the defense around with the ball and get players hunting for space
• Read the right moment to progress and break into the attacking zone quickly
• Find creative ways to beat defenders when you’re a player short
• Make fast decisions near goal and put chances away

Setup

Working on half a field, the attackers start 5v4 in possession, then progress the ball into the attacking zone and finish it off in a 3v2. Play it right through to the finish.

1）Split the half-field into thirds: a neutral zone (the first third) and an attacking zone (the back two thirds).

2）The 5 attackers keep the ball against 4 defenders in the neutral zone. As they possess, they’re looking for the chance to progress into the attacking zone.

3）Once the ball enters the attacking zone, the 4 defenders drop back to the halfway line. At that point a new defender steps in near goal, so you’ve got a 3v2.

4）The attackers make quick decisions and finish in front of goal. Getting to the finish is what matters.

5）If the defenders win the ball, they get it forward right away and go for a shot at the mini-goals on the halfway line.