fcommit.

POSSESSION

Find the spare

A possession game with a neutral spare player who always joins the team on the ball. Teaches players to spread out, scan and find the free player.

Suggested ages
U10 to adult
Players
7–9
Time
15–20 minutes
Area
20 × 20 m
Equipment
4 cones, bibs in three colours, balls
Find the spare diagramTwo teams of three play in a square with a spare player in the middle. The team on the ball passes to the spare, who passes on to a free teammate. A 20 by 20 metre area: 3 players drawn as filled discs, 3 players drawn as rings, a joker drawn as a half-filled disc; 4 cones; 2 passes, 1 run.

20 × 20 m · drawn in FCommit’s figure style

Team on the ballDefending teamSpare playerPassRunCone

Set it up

  • Mark a 20 × 20 m area.
  • Make two teams of three or four, plus one spare player in a different bib.

How it works

  1. The team with the ball tries to make five passes in a row for a point.
  2. The spare always plays for the team in possession, creating an overload.
  3. When a team loses the ball, the other team immediately tries to keep it.
  4. Play three-minute games and change the spare player each time.

Coaching points

  • Spread out wide and long to make the area big when your team has the ball.
  • Scan before you receive so you already know where the free player is.
  • Spare player: keep moving to an open angle, away from defenders.
  • Pass early to the spare when a defender commits to you.
See all 12 drills