A simple keep-ball possession game (Dan's own design). Three against three in a rectangle, with a neutral bouncer on each end line. The bouncers play for whoever has the ball and stay on their line, so the team in possession can pass in and get it straight back as a safe wall. Keep the ball, use both ends, and switch from one bouncer to the other. Scales up if you have the numbers.
Young (U5 to U8)Mid (U9 to U13)Older (U14 to U18)PossessionPassing & receivingScanning & awareness
Created by Danny Jordan
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In play
The setup
Step by step
1
3v3 in the grid with a neutral bouncer on each end. The bouncers play for whoever has the ball and stay on their line.
2
In possession, use a bouncer as a wall: pass in and get it straight back (they play one or two touches).
3
Keep it, then switch and reach the other bouncer. Every time you go bouncer to bouncer, that is a point.
4
Win it back and you keep it the same way. Start free, then two touches in the middle to make it harder.
Age group
Young (U5 to U8), Mid (U9 to U13), Older (U14 to U18)
Duration
10 to 15 mins
Players
8 (3v3 plus 2 bouncers; scale up for more)
Area
About 16 x 12 yards
Equipment
Cones for the grid, a ball, bibs for three colours
FA Four Corners: what this develops
Technical / TacticalPsychologicalPhysicalSocial
Objective
Keep the ball under pressure using two safe outlets: pass into a bouncer and get it straight back, and switch the ball from one end bouncer to the other to beat the press.
Set up
A rectangle about 16 by 12 yards. 3v3 inside, plus a neutral bouncer just off each end line. The bouncers are neutral, they play for whoever has the ball, and they stay on their end line, moving along it to offer a pass. No goals.
Coaching points
Show for the ball at an angle, do not hide behind a defender.
Use the bouncer as a wall: pass in, then move to get it back.
Heads up, scan before you receive so you already know your next pass.
If one end is crowded, switch the play and use the other bouncer.
Bouncers stay on their line and play quickly, one or two touches.
Progressions
Start with unlimited touches, then limit the middle to two touches.
For younger players, simplify the scoring: six passes in a row is a point.
Add a bouncer on each side too (four outlets), or play 4v4, if you have the numbers.
The return pass from a bouncer must go to a different player, not back to the passer.
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PENN & Tylers Green produced a commanding first-half performance away at Northwood on Tuesday evening, as Matty Ayres struck twice and captain Jamie Essex also found the net.
