Free practice Possession & Rondos · Defending
Midtjylland Possession Transfer
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Improve transferring possession through a central defensive screen under pressure.
How it works
Two teams of four keep possession in separate zones and try to connect through a central defending team. Two defenders press the ball while two remain to screen the transfer.
• The team on the ball circulates possession against the two active pressing players.
• The other possession team offers receiving options in the opposite zone.
• Move the ball to create a passing route through the two central screening defenders.
• Play through the central line to transfer possession to the opposite team.
• Continue looking for controlled switches, while the defending team combines pressure on the ball with protection of the central route.
Improve transferring possession through a central defensive screen under pressure.
How it works
Two teams of four keep possession in separate zones and try to connect through a central defending team. Two defenders press the ball while two remain to screen the transfer.
• The team on the ball circulates possession against the two active pressing players.
• The other possession team offers receiving options in the opposite zone.
• Move the ball to create a passing route through the two central screening defenders.
• Play through the central line to transfer possession to the opposite team.
• Continue looking for controlled switches, while the defending team combines pressure on the ball with protection of the central route.
Coaching points
• Passing and Movement: Encourage quick, precise passes and off-the-ball movement to break the defensive shape. Players should look for the best passing lanes and be ready to receive passes in space.
• Central Penetration Awareness: Emphasize the importance of recognizing when to penetrate the central line. The ball carrier should be aware of the defensive pressure and decide when to play the ball through the central area to switch the play.
• Defensive Pressing: Defenders should work together to apply pressure on the ball, closing down the passing lanes, and anticipating passes. The two players screening the central line need to prevent easy penetration and force the attacking team to play wide.
• Switching Play: Once the central line is broken, the attacking team should quickly switch play to the other zone, looking to exploit the space on the opposite side.
• Central Penetration Awareness: Emphasize the importance of recognizing when to penetrate the central line. The ball carrier should be aware of the defensive pressure and decide when to play the ball through the central area to switch the play.
• Defensive Pressing: Defenders should work together to apply pressure on the ball, closing down the passing lanes, and anticipating passes. The two players screening the central line need to prevent easy penetration and force the attacking team to play wide.
• Switching Play: Once the central line is broken, the attacking team should quickly switch play to the other zone, looking to exploit the space on the opposite side.
Progression 1
Increase Defensive Pressure:
Allow the defensive team to apply more aggressive pressure as soon as the ball enters their half. This forces the attacking teams to move the ball faster and make quicker decisions under pressure.
Focus: Enhances decision-making and passing under pressure, improving the speed of play.
Allow the defensive team to apply more aggressive pressure as soon as the ball enters their half. This forces the attacking teams to move the ball faster and make quicker decisions under pressure.
Focus: Enhances decision-making and passing under pressure, improving the speed of play.
Progression 2
Add a Time Limit:
Introduce a time limit for the attacking teams to break the central line and switch play. If they don't achieve this within the allotted time, they must reset and try again.
Focus: Adds urgency to the drill and encourages faster ball movement and more decisive attacking play.
Introduce a time limit for the attacking teams to break the central line and switch play. If they don't achieve this within the allotted time, they must reset and try again.
Focus: Adds urgency to the drill and encourages faster ball movement and more decisive attacking play.
