Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Passing, Touch, and Possession

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Marty Golightly

Profile Summary

Name:
Marty Golightly
City:
Abington
Country:
United States of America
Membership:
Adult Member
Sport:
Football/Soccer
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Description

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1
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Screen 1

Passing Pattern: “Square Inside the Square” Combination Play

This pattern is built around a small square of central players operating inside a larger perimeter of supporting players. The goal is to develop quick combinations, angled support, and third-man timing.

Setup

  • Outer square: Four perimeter players positioned on the outside.

  • Inner square: Four central players positioned in a compact diamond or small square.

  • Multiple passing lanes and support angles are created between the inner and outer groups.


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2
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Screen 2

Progression 1 – Same-Color Passing (Rapport & Rhythm)

·       Each color group (red, blue, yellow) has its own ball.

·       Players can only pass to the same color.

·       Focus: first touch, constant scanning, spacing, and establishing rhythm inside a crowded area.

·       Goal: get comfortable receiving under pressure and moving the ball quickly.

Progression 2 – Color-to-Color Sequencing (Scanning & Decision-Making)

·       Still one ball per color, but now each group must follow a passing pattern:
Red → Blue → Yellow → Red

·       Players must scan early to identify the next target color while avoiding traffic.

·       Focus: awareness, anticipation, movement off the ball.

Progression 3 – Single Ball, Multi-Team Possession (Chaos into Control)

·       Now there is only one ball in play.

·       Coach calls two colors that become the possessing team, while the other color becomes the pressing team. 

·       If the defenders win the ball, the coach calls new colors to transition possession.

·       Focus: quick transition, communication, defensive coordination, spatial awareness.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 3

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 3
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Screen 3

Rules

1. Possession Objective

  • Red and Blue compete to keep the ball using the yellow neutrals as extra passing options (always +2 for the team in possession).

2. Inner Box Restriction

  • Inside the small box = one-touch play only

    • All Reds and Blues must play one-touch when receiving the ball in the inner zone.

  • Neutrals (Yellow) are always allowed 2 touches, even inside the inner box.

    • This provides a stabilizing outlet and encourages teams to find them to break pressure.

3. Outside the Box

  • Free play: players can use any number of touches.

4. Transitions

  • If possession changes, the neutrals instantly switch to assist the new team with the ball.

  • Encouraging quick reaction and compact pressing to win the ball before opponents can find a neutral.

Build 3D sessions in seconds
Access to 1000’s of sessions
Professionalise and modernise your coaching
Used by the world’s best coaches
US$
85
per year
Join today