7v7+1 Possession with Team Shape
7v7 keep-ball with a central neutral in a big area. To score, the team must string eight passes that use both halves; without the ball the team defends as a compact block.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 15–17
- Duration
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 45 × 35 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Possession game
- Objectives
- Tactical: Ball possession, Build-up play, Pressing, Defensive organisation
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Neutral / support
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
This large possession game links keep-ball to the team's real shape. Each team keeps its positions (for example 2-3-2) so there is width and depth in possession, and must move the ball through both halves before a sequence counts. Without the ball, the team presses as a block and the coach can freeze play to check distances between lines.
Objective
Keep the ball using the team's structure (width and depth) and defend as a compact block when the ball is lost.
Organisation
- 45 × 35 m area divided by a halfway line.
- Two teams of seven, each in its match shape, plus one central neutral.
- Spare balls with the coach at the side.
How it works
- The team in possession plays with the neutral (8v7), maximum three touches.
- Eight passes in a row score a point, but only if the ball has been in both halves during the sequence.
- Players keep their positions: a player may leave their zone to receive but must return.
- When the ball is lost, the team presses together for five seconds; if it does not win it back, it drops into a compact block.
- The coach can call “Freeze!” to correct shape and distances. 4 × 4 minutes.
Coaching points
- In possession, the two widest players stay on the lines and the furthest player gives depth.
- Use the neutral as a pivot to change halves when one side is closed.
- After losing the ball, the three nearest players press; the rest shorten distances.
- In the block, the distance between the first and the last player should not exceed about 25 m.
Progressions
- Two-touch limit in your own half.
- The neutral may only play one touch.
Regressions
- Six passes to score.
- Two neutrals.
Variations
- Add two small goals on each end line: after eight passes, the team can attack them.
Key principles
- Width and depth with the ball.
- Short distances without it.
- Press together, then block.
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