S. L. Benfica – SSG – passing through zones by Nélson Veríssimo

Objective of the Drill:

This drill focuses on possession-based play , passing accuracy , and support movements . It emphasizes creating numerical superiority in specific zones, decision-making under pressure , and quick ball circulation . The goal is to transition the ball efficiently from one side of the pitch to the other while adhering to limited touches.

Coach Board animation

Training session

Pitch Setup:

Dimensions: A rectangular pitch divided into three equal zones (end zones and a middle zone).

Equipment:

• Cones to mark the zones and field boundaries.
• At least one ball in play.
• Bibs to distinguish teams.

Player Setup:

6v6 Outfield Players: Two teams of six players each, with two players from each team occupying each zone.

• Zone Setup:

• • • • In each of the three zones, there is a 2v2 situation .

3 Neutral Players:

• Two neutral players are positioned at each end of the pitch , one in each of the outer zones.
• One neutral player is positioned in the middle zone .
• Neutral players always play for the team in possession to provide passing options.

Drill Description:

Objective of the Game:

• The primary goal is for teams to progress the ball from one end of the pitch to the other by maintaining possession and utilizing numerical advantages.
• Teams achieve success by creating 3v2 situations in specific zones and passing effectively through all three zones.

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Possession and Movement:

• • • When in possession, one attacking player is allowed to move to an adjacent zone (from their original zone) to support their teammates, creating a temporary 3v2 advantage .
    • Defending players must stay in their designated zone and cannot provide support in other zones, maintaining a consistent 2v2 defensive setup in each zone.
• Progression Through Zones:
• • • Teams must pass the ball from one side to the other, transitioning through the middle zone while maintaining possession.
    • Neutral players act as linking players, offering additional options for quick ball circulation.

• Touch Limit:

• • All players (including neutrals) are restricted to two touches to encourage quick decision-making and sharp passing.
• Continuous Play: The game is played continuously, with no stoppages for goals or turnovers. The focus is on maintaining rhythm and flow

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration: 4-5 rounds of 5-8 minutes with 2-3 minutes of rest between rounds.
• Intensity: High, as players must remain engaged and active due to the touch restrictions and need for constant movement.

Coaching Points:

For Attackers:

• Time your movement into adjacent zones to create numerical superiority.
• Make sharp, accurate passes and avoid unnecessary touches.
• Look for quick combinations with neutral players to progress the ball.
• Maintain positional discipline to avoid overcrowding a zone.

For Defenders:

• Stay compact and focused on the 2v2 battles in your zone.
• Anticipate passes and look for opportunities to intercept or press.
• Communicate with your teammate to organize defensive actions effectively.

For Neutral Players:

• Offer consistent passing options by staying in open spaces.
• Play quickly and make effective decisions to help the team in possession transition through zones.
• Avoid holding the ball for too long to maintain the flow of the game.

Key Points for Players:

Attackers:

• Be patient in possession and look for the right moment to progress.
• Use the neutral players effectively to retain the ball and create opportunities.
• Support your teammates by moving intelligently between zones.

Defenders:

• Stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary movements out of your zone.
• Apply pressure to disrupt the attackers’ rhythm while maintaining shape.

Neutral Players:

• Focus on being an outlet and facilitating the attacking team’s play.
• Be quick and precise with your touches to ensure the attacking team’s success

Variations :

1. Change Touch Limits: Allow more or fewer touches to adjust the intensity and difficulty level (e. g., 1-touch for neutrals).
2. Restrict Movement: Limit how often attackers can move between zones or allow defenders to also transition to adjacent zones.
3. Add Scoring Targets: Introduce a requirement for a set number of passes before transitioning to the next zone.
4. Increase or Decrease Neutral Players: Add more neutrals to ease possession or reduce them for a greater challenge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Rushing Passes: Attackers must remain calm and avoid forcing passes into congested areas.
• Overcommitting in Zones: Attackers should avoid sending too many players into adjacent zones, which can lead to loss of balance.
• Neutral Player Inefficiency: Neutrals should avoid staying static or failing to provide effective passing options.
• Defensive Overcommitment: Defenders must remain compact and disciplined in their zones to avoid easy breakthroughs.

Progression Tips:

• Gradually narrow the zones to increase the challenge of maintaining possession.
• Introduce specific targets for successful transitions, such as requiring a number of passes or ensuring that every attacking player touches the ball in each transition.
• Increase the speed of play by reducing the touch limit further or introducing time constraints.

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill mimics real-game scenarios where teams must build up play through different areas of the pitch while maintaining shape and discipline. It improves understanding of creating and exploiting numerical advantages, transitioning efficiently between areas, and maintaining composure under pressure. The off-ball movement and positional awareness gained are critical for effective team play in competitive matches.

Download the . xml file of this training and customize it to your needs with Once Sport Coach Board

S. L. Benfica_SSG_passing_through_zones_by_Nelson_Veríssimo