Three-team 6v6+4: win the ball and transition to the far goal
6v6 possession game with four neutrals in an 18x18 m central zone split by a halfway line: the team that wins the ball must break quickly to score in the goal opposite the half where it regained, while the team that lost it counter-presses.
Los rojos circulan dentro de la zona apoyándose en los comodines; los azules presionan compactos.
Objective
Regain possession by pressing as a unit and transition immediately into attack, recognising free spaces before the ball is won; the team that loses it works on counter-pressing and recovery.
Organisation
Half a pitch with a full-size goal and keeper at each end. Cone off an 18x18 m central zone with a halfway line through it. Red team (6) in possession around the edges of the central zone; blue team (6) inside defending; four green neutrals: two inside the zone and one beside each goal, outside the zone. Balls with both keepers and the coach.
Development
- 1Reds keep the ball inside the central zone with the help of the four neutrals (neutrals two-touch); every 8 consecutive passes earns a point.
- 2Blues press in a coordinated, compact way so they cannot be played through.
- 3When blues win the ball they break immediately towards the goal opposite the half in which they regained it (win it in the left half: attack the right goal), using the outside neutral on that side as support; maximum 10 seconds to finish.
- 4Reds must counter-press to stop the break and, if they cannot, recover and protect the goal.
- 5After the finish the keeper plays to a neutral and the game restarts in the zone with roles swapped. Four-minute sets; rotate the neutral role every set.
Coaching points4
- Before the regain, blues must already see the free space and the safe passing line out of the zone.
- Press as a block: the player jumping to the ball does so with team-mates covering and closing the inside.
- First pass after the regain goes forward or to the outside neutral, and the rest join the run with width.
- The team that loses the ball reacts in the same second: the nearest player cuts the outlet passing line.
Common mistakes3
- Pressing in a line and letting reds play through between two blues.
- Breaking towards the nearest goal instead of the far one: the free-space advantage is lost.
- Outside neutrals receiving standing still and slowing the transition.
Variations3
- Narrow the target: blues must play out to the outside neutral before they can score.
- Enlarge the central zone to 22x22 m with physically stronger players.
- Double points if the goal comes within 8 seconds of the regain.
Progressions2
- Two-touch for everyone inside the zone.
- Reds can win the ball back after losing it and attack the other goal: continuous transition.
Regressions2
- 6v5 inside the zone to make possession easier.
- No time limit to finish after the regain.
Tips
- Put an assistant on each side of the pitch to give feedback to the pressing team and the transitioning team, as the original session suggests.
- Mark the zone's halfway line with cones of a different colour so the far-goal rule is obvious.