advancedpossession15-20 minutes12-20 players

Positional Play Grid

Advanced possession drill teaching positional relationships and spatial awareness. Players learn to create passing angles through intelligent positioning and movement within structured zones.

U13-U14U15+

Setup

Create a large grid (30x30 metres) divided into nine smaller squares (3x3). Position players in specific zones based on formation (e.g., 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1). One team keeps possession whilst the opposition presses. Players must respect their zones initially, only moving into adjacent zones when appropriate. Focus on creating passing triangles, angles, and exploiting space through positional discipline.

Coaching Points

1Create passing triangles and diamonds through positioning
2Move within and between zones to create passing angles
3Understand your role and relationship to teammates positionally
4Play passes that break lines when opportunities arise
5Support the ball carrier from multiple angles
6Recognise when to hold position versus when to move into space

Variations

✓Allow free movement once players understand positioning
✓Add conditions like playing through specific zones for points
✓Include end zones where penetrating passes score bonus points
✓Require minimum number of players in each line
✓Progress to full-pitch scenarios with positional rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What is positional play in football?

Positional play is a tactical approach where players maintain specific positions and relationships to create passing angles, triangles, and numerical superiority in different areas. It emphasises intelligent positioning over constant movement and creates structured possession patterns.

How do I teach positional play?

Start with structured grids where players must stay in zones initially. This teaches them to create angles and triangles through positioning rather than just running. Progress to allowing movement between zones as understanding develops.

What age should I introduce positional play?

Introduce basic positional concepts from 13-14 years old when players can understand spatial relationships and tactical principles. Younger players benefit more from free-flowing possession games before adding positional structure.

How is positional play different from normal possession?

Positional play adds structure and roles to possession, emphasising specific positioning and relationships rather than just keeping the ball. Players learn where to be, not just what to do with the ball, creating more controlled and predictable patterns.

Related Drills

Possession Square

Small-sided possession game developing ball retention, movement, and quick decision-making under pressure. Teams work to keep the ball in a confined area against pressing opponents.

Keep Ball Overload

Possession game creating numerical superiority to develop confidence in keeping the ball. Teaches players to exploit overloads and make quick decisions when in possession.

Expert Advisors

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General Coach

All-round coaching

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The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

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FM Tactician

FM24 & FM26 tactics and formations

Related Keywords

positional playpossessiontactical trainingspatial awarenesspassing anglestrianglespositional disciplineadvanced trainingfootball tacticscoaching drillspassing patternstechnical training

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