Possession Game to End Zones
5v5 where a team scores by receiving a pass inside the opponents' end zone. Players learn to combine possession with well-timed forward runs.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 10–14
- Duration
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 35 × 25 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Positional game
- Objectives
- Tactical: Ball possession, Build-up play, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
Possession without penetration does not win games. In this game, keeping the ball is only the means: a point is scored when a player runs into the end zone and receives a pass there. The team must be patient enough to keep the ball until a forward run appears, and the runner must time it so the pass can arrive.
Objective
Combine patient possession with the timing of forward runs and passes into space behind the defence.
Organisation
- 35 × 25 m area with a 3.5 m end zone at each end.
- Two teams of five (add neutrals with odd numbers). Each team attacks one end zone.
How it works
- A team scores when a player receives a pass inside the end zone they attack.
- Players cannot wait inside the end zone: they must run in as the pass is played.
- Dribbling into the end zone does not score.
- After scoring, the same team attacks the opposite end zone.
- Defenders may enter the end zone to intercept. 3 × 5 minutes.
Coaching points
- Stretch the opponents: players wide and one high to create space in the middle.
- Runner: start the run from outside the defender's vision and arrive in the zone at the moment of the pass.
- Passer: look for the run before receiving; play into space ahead of the runner.
- If the run is not on, keep the ball and move it to the other side.
Progressions
- A goal counts double if it comes within 8 seconds of winning the ball.
- Limit to three touches per player.
Regressions
- Allow one player to wait in the end zone.
- Add two neutrals for a 7v5 overload.
Variations
- Replace end zones with two mini goals at each end line.
Key principles
- Possession with purpose.
- Timing of runs.
- Play forward when possible.
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