Soccer Coaching Blog | Professional Soccer Coaching Advice

There are times when I have turned up to find the equipment not where I would expect it and all I am left with is a ball and a pitch. So while I wait for the cones, balls and bibs to turn up I play a game that uses a ball and the centre circle.

How to play it

• Set up as shown in the diagram with players split into pairs. Two pairs start in the middle of the centre circle with others spread around the outside.
• In the middle, one team is nominated as attackers and the other pair defenders.
• The attacking pair must keep possession for 30 seconds in order to score a point. To help them do so, they can use players around the outside for one-twos.
•  If the possession is lost, the other pair now attempts to retain the ball for 30 seconds.
•  Rotate the pairs every 90 seconds.

Technique and tactics

•  The central players need to work hard at all times – either in moving to support, or closing down opponents in possession.
•  Outside players must be alert and ready to receive the ball at all times.