2v1 and 1v1 Possession Game
Two keep the ball from one defender, count their passes, then send it across to a teammate making runs — and one of them follows to start again.
Possession earns the right to penetrate — counting passes and then finding the far teammate teaches switching the point of attack and the communication that makes it work.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones, two colors of pinnies, and a ball.
- Build: Build a 10-by-20-yard rectangle and split it in half with a line of cones.
- Place: Two yellows and one red in one half; one yellow and one red in the other. Ball starts with the two yellows.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Possession with a purpose — communication, switching the point of attack, and receiving open to the field.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
Two yellows keep it from the red; after the pass count they play it across to their teammate, one follows over, and the new 2v1 works it back.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Make groups of five in two colors — two yellows and a red in one half, one of each in the other.
Coach says
Two yellows and a red on this side. One of each over there. Yellows start with the ball.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk one round — the pair keeps possession to the pass count, the far yellow makes runs to get open, the pass goes across, and one yellow follows over to make a new 2v1 there. Pick the count — anywhere from three to five passes, depending on the group.
Coach says
Yellows — count your passes, then find your teammate across the line. Reds — win it, or block that pass.
3Play▾
Coach does
Let it run both directions — reach the count, play it back into the original half. Make the yellows call who goes over on every successful pass.
Coach says
Look up every pass — know where your teammate is before you need him!
Look for: Receivers opening up — the ball played to the correct foot so they take it facing the field.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Every two minutes, rotate the players so everyone gets to play offense and defense.
Coach says
Rotate! New reds in — everyone defends today.
If it's not working
If the yellows can't reach their pass count, make it 3v1 in the starting half — extra numbers until it flows.
Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.
Why are we doing this?
What are they learning?
How can I change it?
Easier: Start with 3v1 in one half and 1v1 in the other — or 3v1 and 2v1.
Harder: Limit the pair to two touches.
Next: 3v1 Early Support — bigger numbers, and now a steal sends the whole game next door.