FC Bayern Munich – hexagon SSG 2+6 vs 3 by Julian Nagelsmann

Objective of the Drill:

This drill is designed to improve possession under pressure, quick ball circulation, and defensive pressure techniques. It encourages attacking teams to keep the ball moving quickly and work together to maintain possession, while the defending team focuses on disrupting play and kicking the ball out of the area.

Coach Board animation

Training session

Pitch Setup:

Shape: Hexagon-shaped pitch.

Neutral Players Setup:

• 6 neutral players positioned on the 6 lines surrounding the hexagon. Each neutral player can only play for the two attackers inside the pitch.
• Neutral players’ touch rule: All neutral players have 2 touches.

Players Setup:

• Inside the hexagon:2 attackers and 3 defenders .

• • • • The 2 attackers are working together with the neutral players to keep possession.
      • The 3 defenders are trying to win the ball and kick it out of the hexagon.
• Everyone inside the hexagon (attackers and defenders) has 2 touches .

Goal: The attackers and neutral players must maintain possession without losing the ball, while the defenders aim to kick the ball out of the hexagon as many times as possible in 2 minutes .

Equipment:

• • Cones to mark the hexagonal pitch.
  • Bibs for team differentiation.
  • Balls for continuous play.

Drill Description:

Objective:

• The attackers (2 players inside and 6 neutral players outside) must work together to maintain possession and avoid losing the ball.
• The defenders (3 players inside) aim to kick the ball out of the hexagon as many times as possible within a 2-minute period .

Player Roles and Movement:

• Attackers:

• • • The 2 players inside the hexagon have 2 touches each and must use the 6 neutral players around the hexagon for quick ball circulation.
    • The attackers should focus on fast passing, creating space, and using the neutral players strategically to keep the ball moving and make it harder for the defenders to press effectively.

• Defenders:

• • • The 3 defenders inside the hexagon are tasked with putting pressure on the ball, intercepting passes, and kicking the ball out of the hexagon.
    • Defenders should be compact, communicating with each other, and working to limit passing options for the attackers.

• Neutral Players:

• • The 6 neutral players positioned around the hexagon are restricted to 1 touch only, and their role is to support the attackers by creating passing options.
  • Neutral players should position themselves well, making sure the attackers can quickly pass the ball around them to avoid being intercepted by defenders.

Possession and Scoring:

• The attackers score by maintaining possession and preventing the defenders from winning the ball or kicking it out.
• Defenders score by successfully kicking the ball out of the hexagon, which resets the possession for the attackers.
• The drill continues for 2 minutes to see how many times the defenders can kick the ball out and how long the attackers can keep possession.

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration:2-minute rounds , followed by a short break before switching roles.
• Intensity: High intensity, as the defenders will press aggressively and the attackers must move quickly to maintain possession under pressure.

Coaching Points:

In Possession (Attacking Team):

• Quick Ball Circulation:

• • • Encourage quick passes and movement to maintain possession and avoid the pressure from defenders.
    • Use the neutral players effectively to create angles and passing lanes.

• Movement Off the Ball:

• • • Players should move into space to receive the ball and maintain options for the player on the ball.

• Two-Touch Passing:

• • • Focus on clean, sharp passes with the 2-touch limit to keep the tempo high.

• Use the Full Width:

• • Attackers should spread the play, utilizing the whole hexagon to move defenders out of position and create more passing opportunities.

Defensively:

• Pressing and Compactness:

• • • Defenders should stay compact and close down passing lanes, working together to force turnovers.
    • Encourage constant pressure on the ball carrier and anticipate passes to the neutral players.

• Anticipate and Intercept:

• • Defenders should read the attackers’ intentions and intercept passes before they reach the neutral players.

Key Points for Players:

Quick Decision-Making:

• Attackers must make decisions quickly to avoid getting caught by defenders.

Use the Neutral Players:

• Attackers should constantly look for opportunities to pass to neutral players to open up space and reset possession.

Effortless Movement:

• Both attackers and defenders must move off the ball to create space and provide passing options.

Defensive Pressure:

• Defenders should work together to press as a unit and focus on kicking the ball out

Variations :

Limit Neutral Players’ Movement:

• Allow neutral players to move on specific lines (e. g., only along certain sides of the hexagon) to make possession more difficult for the attackers.

Increase Defender’s Pressure:

• Add another defender to the inside of the hexagon to increase defensive pressure, making it harder for the attackers to keep possession.

Reduce Touches for Attackers:

• Reduce the number of touches for the players inside the hexagon (e. g., 1 touch) to increase the intensity of the drill and force quicker passing

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Slow Passing:

• Avoid slow and lazy passes, as they make it easier for defenders to intercept. Encourage sharp, crisp passes.

Static Play:

• Players should avoid staying in one position. Continuous movement is essential to maintain possession and create passing lanes.

Not Using Neutral Players Effectively:

• Neutral players should not be ignored. They need to be actively involved in the game to support the attackers in maintaining possession.

Defenders Overcommitting:

• Defenders should not rush in to press the ball carrier too early, as it may open up space for attackers to exploit.

Progression Tips:

Time Pressure:

• Add a time limit to see how long the attackers can keep possession. If they can maintain possession for a set time (e. g., 1 minute), they earn a point.

Use of Additional Neutral Players:

• Add more neutral players around the hexagon to increase passing options for the attackers and create more space.

Rotation of Roles:

• After a set time, rotate the players between attackers and defenders to give all players the opportunity to work on possession and defensive skills.

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill simulates real match conditions where possession is under pressure, and the team must work together to retain the ball while utilizing support players (like neutral players) to move the ball quickly and create space. Defensively, it mirrors the need for teamwork, compactness, and pressure on the ball, as well as the ability to win possession in high-pressure situations.

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