Warm up: Purposeful possession

WHY USE IT

This starter activity, known as ’prison break’, is great for all ages, focuses on many key components required in competitive scenarios and is fun for all involved. Due to its adaptability, you can use this practice for many key themes that align with the main session.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into pairs around the outside of the area - one wears a bib, the other is a non-bib. Pick one pair and split them up so they are facing each other across the length of the pitch, with a ball placed centrally in the area.

HOW TO play

The two opposite partners must sprint to the ball. Each aims to win possession in order to pass to their team-mates who are ‘locked in’ around the outside. When an outside player receives the ball, they are ‘freed’ and can join in with the game; after three seconds, their partner, stood with them but on the other team, is unlocked. Once a team has all of their players unlocked, they need to make five successful passes to win.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Depending on the main focus of the game, the progressions and adaptations can vary, so there is the freedom to modify accordingly. Some options, with their various focuses, are:

• Can the team that has just unlocked a player unlock another one within five seconds (counter-attack, overload v underload)?
• Maximum three touches (looking up, meaningful passes, support off the ball)
• The team has to cross the ball, length- or width-ways, before they can unlock a new team-mate
• To make it easier, outside players are able to move a few steps either side of their cone (losing a marker)

COACHING POINTS

• Finding space: If players crowd together, stop the game - get them to look around at the area and available space and ask them what they can do differently.
• Defending: Who is going to press the ball, who is going to cover?
• Counter-attack: Can they make meaningful passes to counter-attack? Scanning, communication and through-balls are essential.