4v4+3 positional game
Possession in 25x25 m with two teams of four and three neutrals (two on opposite sidelines and one inside). The team in possession plays 7v4; the team that wins the ball takes over. Structure, support and counter-pressing.
Step 1Circulación exterior
1 / 3
El 1 usa al comodín superior para llegar al 2.
Objective
Keep possession using the neutrals, find the free man inside and press as a unit the instant the ball is lost.
Organisation
25x25 m square. Two teams of four in different bibs, two outside neutrals on opposite sidelines (they cannot come in) and one inside neutral. Spare balls on each side with the coach.
Development
- 1The team in possession circulates the ball using the three neutrals; the inside neutral has a two-touch limit.
- 2Every ten consecutive passes scores a point; a pass from one outside neutral to the other through the inside neutral counts double.
- 3When the defending team wins the ball they become the possession team immediately and the neutrals play with them.
- 4The team that loses the ball has five seconds to win it back; if they do, it does not count as a loss.
- 5Four-minute sets with two minutes' recovery; neutrals rotate every set.
Coaching points4
- Occupy the four basic positions of the square instead of crowding the ball.
- The inside neutral appears between the lines and plays open: receives with the far foot.
- Look for the switch of play when the opponents shift to one side.
- Immediate press after a loss: nearest player to the ball, two team-mates closing the inside passes.
Common mistakes3
- Outside neutrals standing still in the middle of their line instead of moving towards the ball.
- Always playing around the outside and never finding the inside player.
- Ball-watching after losing possession instead of pressing.
Variations3
- Outside neutrals limited to one touch.
- No inside neutral: 4v4+2.
- Add two mini goals to give the ball recovery a purpose.
Progressions2
- Reduce the space to 20x20 m.
- Score only after a complete switch of play.
Regressions2
- Enlarge to 30x30 m and remove the touch limit for the inside neutral.
- Four neutrals on the outside lines.
Tips
- Correct the structure while the ball is in play with short instructions.
- Count the points out loud to keep the competition alive.