Top 5 training drills to enhance a team’s possession play

As long as your team is in possession of the ball, the opposing team cannot score a goal. This simple piece of football wisdom has a deeper tactical dimension: when the opponent has possession, it always takes a great deal of running to win the ball back. The longer your team maintains possession, the longer the opponent is forced to work against the ball, which tires them out quicker. That alone is reason enough to make ball retention a key topic during training sessions.

Requirements for possession play

Maintaining ball possession relies on a wide range of technical and tactical fundamentals: passing over short distances, long balls for switching play, dribbling to retain the ball, and close control under high pressure. On an individual tactical level, players need to develop effective movement to free themselves from opponents and escape their cover shadows. At the heart of any possession phase are group tactics, which build on individual skills within the framework of triangular play. When each player can protect the ball and pass it to one of at least two available options, it becomes extremely difficult for the opposing team to regain possession.

Group tactical methods in triangular play include quick one-twos and playing through a third player. On a broader, team-wide level, stretching the play both in depth and width, and switching the play are fundamental. Just as important is the speed of decision-making, from perception to execution.

Game-based possession training

Combination play is a highly complex process. This alone suggests that possession play should primarily be trained through small-sided games that closely resemble match-like situations. For example, various ball-retention activities constantly expose players to new scenarios that require good problem-solving and creative solutions. This process begins not just when a player gains possession of the ball, but much earlier, through scanning and body orientation before the ball even arrives. Top players anticipate the behaviour of their opponents, think faster, know where team-mates and opponents are positioned, and always choose the best option from a variety of possibilities.

1. 8 vs. 8 on 6 mini-goals

8 vs. 8 on 6 Mini-Goals

Organisation

• Set up 6 mini-goals on one half of the field, as shown in the diagram above.

• Form 2 teams of 8 players each.

• The blue team starts with one ball.

Process

• Play 4 rounds that are 8 minutes each.

• Each team becomes the attacking side for 2 rounds.

• Play 8 vs. 8, with the focus on ball possession.

• If the blue team completes 8 consecutive successful passes, they may finish in any mini-goal (1 point).

• If the red team wins possession, they must finish in one of the two mini-goals in their respective zone (1 point).

• After scoring, the blue team resumes play.

• Switch roles after 8 minutes.

• The team that earns the most points after four rounds wins.

Coaching Points

• Defenders should shift compactly and quickly to create numerical superiority near the ball.

• After losing possession, attackers should engage in aggressive counter-pressing and block their respective scoring zone.

• Attackers should occupy the central areas to enable quick switches of play.

Notes

• Adjust the number of passes required to the players’ skill levels.

• Consider introducing a touch limit to increase the difficulty of the exercise.

• Assign a neutral player to give the attacking team a numerical advantage.

Objectives

• To train compact, ball-oriented defending.

• To emphasise transition play (counter-pressing) directly after losing possession.

• Improve football-specific endurance and mental aptitude under pressure.

2. 5 plus 5 vs. 5 possession game

5 plus 5 vs. 5 Possession Game

Organisation

• Mark out an octagonal playing area measuring 35 x 20 metres.

• Form 3 teams of 5 players each: the 4 neutral players (in yellow) position themselves in the four corners of the octagon, with the fifth neutral player positioned inside the playing area.

Process

• The blue team works with the neutral players to keep possession away from the red team.

• The team in possession earns 1 points for every diagonal pass from one neutral player in the corner to another.

• The neutral corner players are limited to a maximum of 2 touches, while the neutral player inside the field has no touch restriction.

• After each change of possession, the red and blue teams switch roles.

• Every four minutes, rotate roles: yellow and red swap, followed by red and blue, ensuring each team acts as neutrals at least once.

Coaching Points

• Encourage intelligent positioning and movement to support the ball carrier.
• Focus on opening passing angles to switch the ball diagonally.
• Emphasise scanning and pre-orientation before receiving the ball.

Notes

• Reduce the touch limit further to increase difficulty.
• Vary the size of the octagon depending on age and ability level.

Objectives

• Develop intelligent movement and decision-making under pressure.
• Improve awareness and vision in tight spaces.
• Train quick, accurate diagonal passing using limited touches.

3. Keeping possession against a high press

Keeping Possession v. High Press

Organisation 

• Mark out a playing area that is 40 metres long and the full width of the penalty area. Add a halfway line also.
• Place 2 goals with goalkeepers on both baselines.

• Divide players into 2 teams of 7.

• The coach stands next to the field with footballs ready for quick restarts.

Process

• One team plays with the goalkeepers, aiming to keep possession of the ball.

• Completing 10 passes in a row earns 1 point for the team in possession of the ball.

• If the other team regains possession of the ball, they must attempt to score in the opposite half from where the ball was won. If they score, they also receive 1 point. 

• Goalkeeper-to-goalkeeper passes are prohibited.

• As soon as the ball is out of play or someone scores, the coach immediately plays in a new ball.

• The round ends after 5 minutes, and the teams swap roles.

• The team with the most points after four rounds wins.

Coaching Points 

• After a team regains possession, they can shoot at either goal. 

• The goalkeepers are allowed to play the ball to each other. 

• The players of the team in possession have 3 touches max. 

Tip  

• The first progression causes the team that concedes possession to counter-press with greater intensity.

Objectives

• Train ball retention under pressure.
• Improve pressing and counter-pressing behaviours.
• Encourage composure and quick decision-making against a high press.

4. 5 plus 2 v. 5 plus 2

6 plus 4 vs. 6 – Vertical Play

Organisation

• Mark out a 20 x 20 metre playing area.

• Extend each side of the playing area to have 5-metre-deep end zones.

• Form 2 teams of 7.
• Each team places two players in opposing end zones; the remaining five play in the central area.

Process

• A 5v5 possession game in the central zone.

• The outside players (in the end zones) should be used as often as possible.

• If one of the outside players receives a one-touch pass and also plays back into the central zone with one touch, the team receives 1 point.

• If a team succeeds in combining at least 4 times from one outside player to the other in the opposite end zone, they also receive 1 point.

• Change the outside players regularly to ensure involvement from all players.

Coaching Points

• Encourage players to use the outside options as a means of creating rhythm and space.

• Focus on quick combination play and clean, first-time passing.

• Promote continuous movement and scanning to stay connected with outside players.

Notes

• The field size and pass limit can be adapted depending on the players’ age and ability.

• You may introduce a time limit or touch restrictions to challenge more advanced groups.

Objectives

• Improve combination play and ball circulation.

• Develop awareness of support positions and timing.

• Enhance tempo and precision in short-passing sequences.

5. 6 plus 4 vs. 6 – vertical play

5 plus 2 v. 5 plus 2

Organisation

• Mark out a 30 x 30 metre playing area with the corners cut off, as shown in the diagram above.

• Set up 4 mini-goals as indicated.

• Form 2 teams of 6 players each and place 4 neutral players outside the square.

Process

• Play a 6 + 4 vs. 6 possession game.

• If the team in possession successfully switches play from one neutral player to the opposite neutral player, they earn one point.

• Immediately after a successful switch, one player from the possession team may attempt to finish with a first-time shot on any mini-goal.

• A successful finish earns three points, and that team restarts play with a new ball.

• Neutral players are limited to two touches.

• Passes between neutral players are not allowed.

• All passes must remain on the ground at all times.

Coaching Points

• Encourage players to offer passing options both in width and depth.

• Support vertical passes with intelligent follow-up runs.

• Players should constantly adjust their body position to remain open to the direction of play and switch quickly when needed.

Notes

• Place several spare balls around the perimeter to allow for immediate restarts.

• To develop switching play, consider running an initial round without the mini-goals.

Objectives

• Train vertical play and vision.

• Emphasise diagonal passing and quick changes in direction.

• Improve communication and spatial awareness while in possession.

Possession-based training is far more than simply keeping the ball. It’s about developing intelligent movement, quick decision-making, and coordinated team play under pressure. The five exercises outlined here offer varied, game-realistic ways to improve ball retention, support play, and transition management. By consistently incorporating these drills into your sessions, you’ll build players who are more composed, tactically aware, and effective in possession, from grassroots to advanced levels.