3-05-2 6v6 plus 1 in three zones: Possession game - FIFA Training Centre

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
This possession game works on progressing the ball through pressure when players are restricted to specific zones. The drill focuses on unit-level aspects, such as working off the ball to create multiple passing options and solutions to play and support forwards. The members of the unit are tasked with offering width and depth when a team-mate is in possession to drag opposing defenders away, which serves to create space or relieve pressure. Each unit must react quickly after gaining possession to progress the ball from their zone before being boxed in.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
The exercise revolves around the unit and focuses on playing through zones when under pressure, as well as overcoming a numerical disadvantage. The game is particularly relevant to players who are limited to operating in specific lines when playing between the lines and building play into attack. Players occupying the end zones are asked to constantly provide depth and support options that simulate a centre-back offering a team-mate help to play out of pressure or an attacker who receives the ball beyond the pressure. Players inside the central zone operate as midfielders or players looking to connect play inside the opposition’s shape by dropping to receive or creating passing lanes inside or around pressing opponents.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
The exercise involves a possession game in a narrow area divided into three equally sized zones. Players are restricted to their designated zones, facing constraints and pressure that impact their passing and movement. An out-of-possession player is allowed to press in another zone, creating a numerical disadvantage for the in-possession team in one zone. This encourages the in-possession team to speed up play and make quicker off-ball support decisions, increasing pressure on the ball carrier. However, the presence of a neutral player offsets the numerical disadvantage by providing additional movement and passing options, promoting dynamic play and strategic thinking.

Organisation

Mark out a 30m x 10m exercise area and split it into thirds widthways.
Divide the group into 2 teams of 6 (oranges and blues).
Place 2 players from each team in each of the 3 zones.
Assign a neutral player (grey), who begins the exercise in the central zone.

Explanation

The in-possession team try to progress the ball through the zones, with players limited to their respective zones.
The neutral player supports the in-possession team.
The out-of-possession team try to win the ball, with 1 player able to leave their zone to press in another zone.
If the out-of-possession team win the ball, the teams swap roles.
If the ball goes out of play, one of the coaches feeds a new ball into a player on the in-possession team.

Variation

A player from the in-possession team can leave their zone to operate in another zone.

Key coaching points

(1/6) The exercise organisation, with players divided into zones, encourages defenders to anticipate from behind to win the ball.

(2/6) Receiving players should pay extra attention to defenders intercepting passes and stealing the ball by effective scanning, movement and body positioning.

(3/6) Bad practice: players of the team in-possession should offer the ball-carrier immediate, multiple and clear passing lines, whilst avoid being positioned on the same line.

(4/6) Bad practice: players of the team in-possession should offer the ball-carrier immediate, multiple and clear passing lines, whilst avoid being positioned on the same line.

(5/6) Good practice: the ball-carrier has immediate, multiple and clear passing lines, whilst team-mates are positioned on different lines.

(6/6) Good practice: receiving on the back foot is key to moving the ball forward and in crowded central areas.

Roles of coaches

First coach: explains the exercise and coaches the players to make movements to progress the ball more efficiently.
Second coach: encourages the players in one of the zones and feeds balls into the exercise area.
Third coach: encourages the players in a different zone to the second coach and feeds balls into the exercise area.