Small-Sided Games, Possession, Passing · U9+
Six players in three pairs in a vacant area. No goals. One pair is the target players, one pair in each end, and they move only along their own end line. The other two pairs play 2v2 in the middle. A point is scored when the ball is carried from one end to the other, i.e., from one target player to the other. After a successful pass, the same team continues with the ball in the opposite direction. The defending pair tries to close the passing lane to the target player and win the ball. After winning possession, the winning pair may attack either end, but scoring always requires the full journey: the ball must be played from one target player to the other. In practice, the team that wins the ball starts from the nearest end. Three minutes at a time, then pairs switch positions.
The target player moves along their line to open the passing lane—don’t stand still. The defending pair must choose: press the ball carrier or close the passing lane to the end. Receive in an open body position so the other end is visible immediately.
Which defender closes the passing lane? How does the target player get themselves into view? Which direction do you attack immediately after winning the ball?
End game, target players in the ends is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Small-Sided Games, Possession, Passing. Age group: U9+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.