Keep-ball 4v2

Setup

1. A 20 × 15 m square. Four attackers (A1–A4), one on each side, two defenders (D1, D2) inside.
2. Spare balls at a corner so play restarts quickly.

How it runs

1. Attackers keep the ball; ten passes in a row scores a point.
2. D1 and D2 press together to win it or force it out.
3. When the defenders win it, the attacker who lost it swaps in with the defender who has been in longest.

Coaching points

• Attackers: receive on the sole or the back foot, open to the next pass.
• Move along your side to give a clear passing line every time.
• Two touches at most; play away from the side the press comes from.
• Defenders: first one presses on an angle, second one cuts the inside pass.
• Press on the pass, not after the player has controlled it.

Common mistakes

• Attackers standing still behind a defender.
• Both defenders chasing the ball.
• Defenders pressing straight on, so the attacker can play either way.