The classic keep-ball square. Players on the outside keep possession from a defender in the middle, building first touch, angles and quick decisions.
Mid (U9 to U13)Older (U14 to U18)Passing & receivingPossession
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In play
The setup
Step by step
1
Keep the ball
The outside players pass around the ring, two touches each, to the open side away from the defender.
2
Defender presses
The middle player shifts across to shut the pass down. Win it, or make the error, and you swap into the middle.
Numbers & rotation: 5+ players: rotate the middle player when they win it or when someone miscontrols. Spare players wait behind a corner. Make it harder with one touch, a smaller ring, or 5 v 2.
Age group
Mid (U9 to U13), Older (U14 to U18)
Duration
15 to 20 min
Players
5 or more (rotate spares in)
Area
8m x 8m up to 10m x 10m
Equipment
4 cones, 1 ball, bibs
FA Four Corners: what this develops
Technical / TacticalPsychologicalPhysicalSocial
Objective
Keeping possession under pressure through good first touch, correct pass selection and support angles.
Set up
Players stand around a square with a defender inside. Set the square around 8m to 10m depending on age and ability.
Coaching points
Open your body on the first touch so you can see both other players
Pass away from the defender, into the open side
Support at an angle, not flat, so there is always a forward option
Defender: press to force play one way rather than diving in
Progressions
One touch only
Make the square smaller to increase difficulty
5 v 2 with two defenders for older or stronger groups
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