RB Leipzig – 8v8+2 on 4 goals by Marco Rose

Objective of the Drill:

The goal of this drill is to improve team possession , passing accuracy , and offensive build-up play . It focuses on quick ball circulation , creating passing options, and team communication under pressure. This drill emphasizes building play through short, precise passes and creating opportunities to score after a set number of passes. Additionally, the drill works on transitions from attack to defense and maintaining possession under pressure .

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Training session

Pitch Setup:

Dimensions: A square playing area (e. g., 30×30 meters).

Goals:

• 4 small goals placed outside the square, two on each side (2 on one line and 2 on the opposite line).

Equipment:

• 4 small goals, cones for boundary markings, 1 ball, bibs for teams.

Player Setup:

Attacking Team (8 outfield players + 2 neutral players):

• 8 outfield players inside the square.
• 2 neutral players positioned inside the square. The neutral players are only allowed to play one touch to support the team with possession and create passing options.

Defending Team (8 outfield players):

• 8 outfield players tasked with defending and preventing the attacking team from scoring on the small goals.

Drill Description:

Objective of the Game:

• The attacking team (8 outfield players + 2 neutral players) works to maintain possession of the ball while trying to complete 6 consecutive passes before scoring in one of the 4 small goals outside the square.
• Neutral Players’ Role: The 2 neutral players inside the square support the team with possession by offering additional passing options. The neutral players are allowed to play with one touch only.
• Defending Team’s Role: The 8 defending players aim to win possession of the ball by pressing the attacking team and preventing them from completing the 6-pass requirement. Once the defending team wins the ball, they transition immediately to attack.
• Scoring Condition: A goal can only be scored once the attacking team has completed 6 passes (without losing possession). Teams can score on any of the 4 small goals.

Attacking Team’s Mechanics:

• Ball Circulation: The attacking team should focus on maintaining possession by circulating the ball quickly and efficiently. The neutral players play a key role in offering options and supporting the build-up.
• Use of Neutral Players: The 2 neutral players are positioned inside the square to provide extra passing lanes and create more space for the attacking team. Neutral players can only use one touch to keep the pace of the game fast.
• Building to Score: The team must complete 6 passes before attempting to score. They aim to move the ball through the square and use the neutral players to change the point of attack quickly. Once the 6 passes are completed, the team can then look for an opportunity to score on any of the 4 small goals.
• Quick Transitions: After completing 6 passes and attempting to score, the team should be prepared to transition quickly if possession is lost.

Defending Team’s Mechanics:

• Pressing and Recovering Possession: The defenders must press high and effectively to prevent the attacking team from completing the required number of passes. They need to be alert to the neutral players’ movements and try to intercept or disrupt passes.
• Positioning and Blocking Goals: Defenders should also position themselves to block passing lanes and prevent the attacking team from scoring.
• Quick Transition to Attack: When the defending team wins possession, they should immediately transition to attack and try to score on one of the small goals after making at least 1 pass. The 2 neutral players will continue to support the attack once the ball is recovered.

Scoring

• Attackers: The attacking team scores a goal by passing the ball through any of the 4 small goals, but only after completing 6 passes .
• Defenders: If the defending team wins possession and scores in any of the small goals, they earn a point.

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration: 4-5 rounds of 4-5 minutes with 1-2 minute breaks between rounds.
• Intensity: Moderate to high, focusing on quick ball circulation and transitions between defense and attack.

Coaching Points:

For the Attacking Team:

• Quick Passing and Movement: Focus on moving the ball quickly, creating passing options, and maintaining possession.
• Utilize Neutral Players: Make sure the neutral players are used effectively to maintain ball circulation and create attacking options.
• Patience and Decision-Making: Be patient in completing the 6 passes, and focus on decision-making when creating space for scoring opportunities.
• Off-the-Ball Movement: Players should always be moving to offer passing lanes, ensuring the ball carrier has options at all times.

For the Defending Team:

• Pressing Effectively: Defenders should press the ball carrier and attempt to disrupt the 6-pass sequence.
• Anticipating Passes: Positioning is key to blocking passing lanes and anticipating the ball’s next move.
• Quick Transition to Attack: Once possession is won, the team should move the ball quickly to score on the small goals before the opposing team recovers.

Key Points for Players:

For Attackers:

• Maintain possession, create passing options, and complete 6 passes before attempting to score.
• Use the neutral players to support the build-up and find space.
• Be patient and precise with passes to ensure the 6-pass sequence is achieved.
• Constantly move to create space and offer options for the ball carrier.

For Defenders:

• Press the ball carrier quickly and aggressively to prevent the 6 passes.
• Position yourself effectively to block passing lanes and defend the small goals.
• Quickly transition to attack after winning the ball, looking to score immediately.

Variations :

1. Limit Attacker’s Touches: Restrict the number of touches per attacking player (e. g., 2 or 3 touches) to speed up the play and challenge the defenders.
2. Add More Neutral Players: Increase the number of neutral players to provide more support for the attacking team and create more passing options.
3. Increase Pass Requirements: Increase the number of passes required to score, making it more difficult for the attacking team to break down the defense.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Slow Passing: The attacking team should avoid slow or predictable passes that make it easier for defenders to intercept.
• Defenders Not Pressing High Enough: Defenders should press high to prevent the attacking team from completing the 6 passes.
• Not Using Neutral Players Effectively: The neutral players should not remain static. They must constantly move to provide passing lanes and help with ball circulation.

Progression Tips:

• Gradually increase the number of defenders if the attacking team is consistently completing 6 passes and scoring too easily.
• Add more goals or restrictions to make it harder for the defending team to score quickly after winning possession.
• Allow the defending team to score after winning 5 passes to make the drill more competitive and focused on transitions.

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill mirrors real match scenarios where teams must maintain possession, create passing lanes, and work together to break down the opposition. It focuses on team play , building through possession , pressing high , and quick transitions . It provides players with valuable practice in creating scoring opportunities after a set build-up and defending quickly after possession changes. This setup is particularly useful for teams looking to improve their attacking fluidity and defensive pressure .

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