1 on 1 - Maintaining Possession

• 4 Training Poles
• 2 Miniature Goals
• 8 Marker Cones
• Jerseys in 2 different colors (4 each)
• 4-6 Balls
• Construct a square pitch of 15 x 15 meters
• In the middle of the pitch, set up a smaller square of 4 x 4 meters
• Set up miniature goals and training poles (5 meters apart) according to the illustration
• Divide players into 2 teams of 4 each

At the start of the exercise, 1 player per team is positioned in the inner square, the other 3 outside of it. One of the two players in the inner square has the ball and tries to maintain possession, while their opponent engages in a tackle. If the player of team 1 loses the ball, or it leaves the inner square, all 8 players play a 4 on 4 match. Should they manage to keep possession for 8 seconds, the coach gives a signal, after which all players play 4 on 4 as well. In any case, both players initially positioned in the inner square are allowed to enter the bigger pitch and take part in the 4 on 4. The objective is to either score on a miniature goal, or dribble through the poles. A round of 4 on 4 is completed once a point is scored, if the ball leaves the pitch, or if one minute has passed. Afterwards, the other team’s player starts with the ball and the exercise begins anew.

• Carry the ball with the foot that is furthest away from the opposing player
• Keep your body between ball and opponent
• When in possession, position your torso sideways to the opponent and use your underarm to block them off. By doing so, you maintain the most distance between the ball and the opponent and are able to monitor their movements

After the coach’s signal:

• Look for a pass or dribble into the larger pitch
• Immediately attempt to lose your opponent (cross their path)
• Break away from the direction of your teammates