Line-Based Possession & Switching Play | Keep-Away Drill

Overview

• Players: 15
• Field size: 40m x 30m
• Groups: 3 groups of 5 + 1 player on the central line
• Best for: age groups who already have a good handle on possession and reading the game

Objectives

• Sharpen how players get open between the lines and pick the right decision
• Build fast, smart switches of play
• Get better at using the central line and finding the right spots to stand
• Train defensive focus and pinpoint positioning

Setup

Split the field into 3 zones and drop 5 players into each one. Put 1 player on the central line to act as the link between zones.

1) The group in possession works to string together at least 5 passes before switching the ball to another group.

2) Every switch has to go through the player on the central line.

3) Two defenders sit on the central line, and the line player has to receive behind those two.

4) The defenders protect the central line while shifting and reacting to how the attackers move.

5) After a set time, or on every switch, rotate the groups.