Possession is important at any level of soccer. Controlling the tempo and momentum of a game requires the ability to connect several passes consecutively with a tactic or strategy in min. It will invariably involve escaping pressure, changing point of attack, and ultimately creating opportunities on goal.
A great way to develop possession is by incorporating it into training sessions.
5 v 5 in a 40 x 40 yd grid is a good place to start. Restrict players to 2 or 3 touch, or even better to 3 seconds with the ball so as not to inhibit creativity. To create competition you can have 5 consecutive passes equal a point and play games to 3.
Once the game of possession is understood and accomplished a great twist is to create small goals around the grid in random places (inside the grid); a completed pass through the small goal scores a point (can't go back to or through the same goal consecutively to score). This works very well with 5v5, 8v8 or 10v10 full field. Now the team has a goal or tactic in mind. Encourage your team to switch points of attack if the goal they are attacking is well defended. Players must also think ahead to be in position to pass tha ball through the small goal as well as have somebody at the end of that pass. Players will have to think two and three passes/spaces ahead of the play and get themselves there.
The tactical creativity can be enhanced with a little analysis and thought. Take time to stop play, point things out and help the players see what was done right and what could have been done better.

This entry was posted by BrasilianFutebol, on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. You can leave your response.