2v1 and 1v1 Possession Game

Chris Johnson 85,771 Views Rating 3.65 (34 Reviews)
This soccer drill focuses on both possession and penetration. It helps to teach communication and switching the point of attack to keep possession and penetrate the defense.
Soccer Drill Diagram: 2v1 and 1v1 Possession Game

Soccer Possession, Passing, and Communication Drill

This soccer possession drill focuses on passing, movement off the ball, possession and penetration.
Drill Setup

  1. Create a 10 x 20 grid with a line of cones that divides the grid in half. 
  2. Place two yellow players and one red player in one grid. 
  3. The other grid needs one yellow and one red player.
Drill Instructions

  1. Two yellow players keep possession from the red player as he tries to win the ball. 
  2. After 5 passes (this number can be anything from 3-5 depending on the level of play) the two yellow players try to find their teammate in the other grid, who is making runs to get open.
  3. The red player attempts to prevent this pass from being played successfully. 
  4. If the yellow players successfully pass into the yellow player, one of the yellow teammates may join them in that grid creating a2 v 1 in that grid until completing the number of passes. 
  5. At this point, they try to play the ball back into the original starting section.
  6. Do this for two minutes and then rotate the players, so everyone gets to play offense and defense.
Drill Variations

  • To get more success, you can start with a 3 v 1 in one section and 1 v 1 in the other or even 3 v 1 and 2 v 1.
Drill Coaching Points

  • Get a look up to the person in the other section every time.
  • Try to receive the ball with the body opened up to the field whenever possible.
  • Play the ball to the correct foot in order for the player to receive the ball opened up.
  • Communicate every time to make sure someone goes over into the other section upon successful penetration.

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 160,265 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 573,674 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 493,616 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 720,676 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 342,924 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 249,280 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 199,249 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 801,758 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 341,535 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 691,572 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.