The objective is to get the players in possession controlling the ball, communicating effectively with one another and accurate passing.  The work area can be increased to work the two defending/chasing players harder and work on longer passing or the area can be reduced so that the first touch, shielding and shorter passing is worked on more acutely by the players in possession.

This simple soccer drill is effective because these are the core techniques and skills that are required in all playing positions on the soccer pitch.

ORGANISATION

Set up an area approximately 20 yards x 20 yards with four sets of pairs in the center.  3 pairs will play keep ball with a floating player who is continually on the possession team.  A pair is designated as defenders / chasers who must put pressure on players who are in possession of the ball.  This drill requires good communciation from the two chasing players as well as the players who are aiming to keep possession.

They should signal both verbally and visually where they want the ball playing, talking to the player in possession with calls such as time, turn, and man on.

As the chasing / defending team force an error either by the ball going out of play or an intercepted pass then they join the possession team and the pair that conceded possession become the chasing team.

EQUIPMENT

Plenty of balls, nine players, cones to colored bibs 

COACHING POINTS

The player in the control of the ball should be encouraged to:

• keep close control
• use a variety of feints, turns, stops and starts
• sheild the ball to prevent defenders from getting a foot in
• listen and take visual cues from supporting players
• accurate passing to feet
• create space through effective movement
• fake passes to create openings

The defending / chasing players should be encouraged to :

• always close down and chase the player on the ball
• deny space and limit passing opportunities
• work hard
• be highly communciative with each other

PROGRESSION

• Increase or reduce the size of the area to work the players differently
• Play 3 touch then reduce down to one touch football
• Condition the game so that a player in possession has to run around the furthest cone away from them once they've passed the ball, this will work on their fitness too
• Condition the players to use their weakest foot only 

7v2 Soccer Posession Drill