4v4 possession with two jokers in 25x25 m: eight passes in a row score a point and the jokers change role every set

Goal

Activate the group with a medium-high intensity possession game that forces them to keep the ball with support, changes of orientation, accurate passes and constant movement, and to press after losing it.

Description

A 25x25 m square with a cone in each corner. Four blues (A1 to A4) play against four reds (R1 to R4) and two yellow jokers (M1 and M2) who are placed inside the square, next to the left and right sides, and always play with the team that has the ball (so it is 6 against 4 for whoever is in possession). The blues start with A1 in a corner. The team with the ball tries to string together eight passes in a row, and each pass to a joker counts. With more width and free touches it is easier to keep the ball; limiting touches raises the difficulty. The jokers play with a maximum of two touches and cannot be tackled. As soon as the reds win the ball, they take over possession with the help of the same jokers and the pass count starts again from zero. Each set lasts two to three minutes. At the end the jokers swap roles with one player from each team, so that everyone goes through the middle.

Step by step

1. 1

   The blues circulate the ball with the help of the jokers: A1 to M1, M1 to A4, A4 to A3, A3 to M2 and M2 to A2, counting five passes while the reds close spaces.

2. 2

   A pass from A2 towards A1 is intercepted by R1: the count goes back to zero.

3. 3

   R1 passes to M1 and the reds take over possession with the help of the same jokers; the blues press after losing it.

4. 4

   At the end of the set the jokers swap roles with one player from each team (M1 with A4, M2 with R4), in the direction of the purple arrows.

Rules

Eight passes in a row between players of the same team, jokers included, score a point. The jokers play with two touches at most and cannot be tackled or leave the square. You cannot return the ball to the player who has just passed. If the ball leaves the square, the team opposite the last one to touch it restarts with a kick-in. When possession is lost, the pass count goes back to zero.

Equipment

• Four cones to mark the square
• Bibs in three colours
• Balls

Recommended times by goal

• Tactical: 3 × 2' · rest 1' · Medium intensityOrientativo

Rotation and restart

At the end of each set, the jokers swap roles with one player from each team: M1 with A4 and M2 with R4, in the direction of the purple arrows. In the following sets two other players come in as jokers.

Coaching points

• Always offer yourself: each teammate with the ball must have two passing options.
• Change sides so that the opponent cannot close the whole square.
• Firm, low pass to the foot away from the presser.
• After losing it, the nearest players press within five seconds.

Common mistakes

• All staying together in the centre.

  How to correct: Spread out to the sides and occupy the corners to widen the square.

• Passing without looking for the joker and losing options.

  How to correct: Lift the head before receiving and use the joker as a safe support.

• Giving weak passes that get intercepted.

  How to correct: Pass firmly to the foot, and to the side farthest from the defender.

Questions for the players

• “What does the joker give you that you do not have with your teammates?”
• “When is it better to change sides rather than keep passing on the same one?”

Levels

• A · easyFree touches and six passes in a row to score.
• B · standardEight passes in a row and jokers on two touches, as described.
• C · advancedTwo touches for everyone, ten passes in a row and a 20x20 m space.

If you have fewer or more players

• With 8 fewer: Three against three with two jokers in a 20x20 m square. (3v3 possession with two jokers)
• With more: Two groups of eight against eight in 30x30 m, or a third team that waits and relieves the one that loses. (5v5 possession with two jokers)
• With odd numbers: The extra player acts as a fixed joker in the centre.

Age

Variations

• Limit the touches. Two touches for everyone, or one touch when they play with a joker; the difficulty goes up.
• Change the dimensions. Larger (30x30 m) to favour possession; smaller (20x20 m) to make it harder.
• Jokers in another position. The jokers are placed in opposite corners instead of on the sides, and rotate every minute.