Pass and keep ball

WHY USE IT

Keeping the ball in midfield is key to setting up attacking play.

SET UP

You need balls, bibs and cones. Use the centre circle of an 11-a-side pitch or create a 15-yard diameter circle. We have used 10 players in our example.

HOW TO PLAY

Split your players into two teams of five. One team operates wholly inside the circle; the other team has two players inside the circle and three outside. The team inside the circle must play seven consecutive passes to score a point – give extra points if passes split the two defenders. The pressing players try to block or intercept passes. If they win the ball and find their team-mates on the outside of the circle, three of the former possession team must leave the space. This creates a 2v2 possession game, with the new possession team using the players outside the area until possession is overturned again.

Coaching points

• Passing and support play, good movement and getting ‘open’ to the pass.