Each player is assigned a square opposite an opposing player. One ball between the two players as shown below. The focus of the exercise is control and passing. In order to win a point you must ensure your pass enters the opposing players box. You also gain a point when controlling the ball inside your own box, preventing the ball from going outside of your box. The ball must remain below knee height. Make the box larger or smaller based on the ability level. Larger is easier, smaller is more challenging.

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Progression - Progress to two players in each square. Increase the distance between the squares to allow for aerial or longer ball striking to replicate crosses. 

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Coaching Point - Players must be on their toes ready to receive the ball. Good first touch to control the ball. Inside of the foot short distance, laces longer passes, ball contact. 

Two wide players both Left and Right, #3 (Left Defender) #11 (Left Midfielder) Opposite side #2 and #7 (Right Defender) & (Right Midfielder). Two Strikers start with the ball. Combine in the middle. Pass, Touch, Pass to the #7 example. Overlapping Run #2. Cross comes in. Two Strikers attack the cross. Repeat opposite side.

 

You can have as many pairs of strikers as needed based on numbers,. Add in an additional wide player to rotate and allow for rest.  

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Coaching Point - First touch when receiving the ball, weight of the pass,  timing of the runs, two Strikers - Front Post/Back Post.

#3 & #2 stay wide in this exercise. #11/#8 and the Striker combine in a triangle more central as shown. Same on the opposite side, #2 stays wide, #6/#7 and the striker combine in a triangle more central leaving space for the overlapping left and right defenders. 

 

Ball goes wide, Overlapping Run. Cross comes in. Two Strikers attack the cross. Repeat opposite side. You can have as many pairs of strikers as needed based on numbers once again,. Add in an additional wide player to rotate and allow for rest.  

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Coaching Point - First touch when receiving the ball, weight of the pass,  timing of the runs, two Strikers - Front Post/Back Post, arrive as the ball arrives. Cross should be between the GK and the six yard box.

6v6 or 7v7 or depending on numbers available. Shape of the team should be 1-2-1-2 with two Neutral Wide players . Have a wide channel on either side of the field with your #2/#7 and #3/#11 as the two neutral wide player on either side that play on both teams and attack either direction with the team in possession.

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The central midfielder on either team can go play in both halves of the field when in possession to allow the ball to go wide quicker. He can then join in with the attack.

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Two strikers match up against the two central defenders either side of the field and attack the crosses from wide areas.

 

Progress to a defender can go out in the wide channel and defend against the two neutral wide players which will create more space centrally.

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Coaching Point - Movement from the Strikers, front post, back post, timing of all runs.

8v8 or 9v9 depending on numbers available. Shape of the team should be 1-3-3-1 or 1-3-3-2 . Encourage triangles on the field which allows players to link up and combine. Use a neutral player at times if numbers are uneven. Having a neutral player that plays with the team in possessions and can still score will  encourage players in possession to lift their head up and find an open player. It should allow for more success within the game.

Coaching Point - Encourage all aspects of the session. Example of one combination in a wide area below..