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Free activity · 100 Possession ActivitiesBetween the Lines
Seven attackers against two lines of three and a keeper. Attackers score by receiving between the lines and turning, and the defense scores by winning it and reaching the far end. A full-team picture of where the space really is.
Setup
A 36x26 with three horizontal lines marked: two lines of three defenders each, and a keeper. Seven attackers build against them.
How it works
- Attackers score by receiving between the two defensive lines and turning.
- Defenders score by winning and reaching the far end.
- Defensive lines may press but must hold their shape.
Scoring
Ten possessions each.
- Receiver: arrive as the ball is played, not before.
- Passer: hit the front foot.
- The moment the second line steps, the space is behind it.
Make it easier or harder
- Progression 1: A received pass between the lines must be followed by a forward pass to count.
- Progression 2: Full game after the turn: attackers go to goal.
Coach’s notes
- If It Stalls: Lines never opening? Add a wide neutral on each side to stretch them.
Why it works
This is the first time in the theme the picture looks like a real game. Players see two lines of defenders and have to find the gap between them, rather than a square of cones.
Everything depends on arriving late. A player who stands between the lines gets marked. A player who arrives as the ball is played gets to turn.
Where it sits
This is activity 25 of 100 in 100 Possession Activities (Theme 3 · Through the Lines). The book is ten themes of ten rungs each, from a 3v1 square to a full 9v9 transition game, and every activity has its setup, rules, scoring, two progressions, three coaching points and an animated video like the one above.
All playing through the lines drills ›
More like this
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingPocket RondoThree lines of cones split a 15x12 into thirds. Four attackers on the ends, one in the middle third with three defenders.
Open the activity ›
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingThree Zones ThroughThree zones and two neutrals. You can only score by going through the middle.
Open the activity ›
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingBreak the LineKeep it, break the line, then follow your pass to make it 3v2.
Open the activity ›All ten rungs of this theme, and nine more themes
100 Possession Activities is a 115-page PDF with 100 animated MP4 videos: rondos, playing out from the back, through the lines, support, switching, overloads, movement, timing, counter-pressing and counter-attacks. Print the page, watch the clip, run the session.