PURPOSE OF SESSION:

Easily the most utilised JdP game across the whole season of research – and this particlar variant of the game has been made further popular with the social media attention it has received from the travels of coach Pep Guardiola from Barcelona to Munich to Manchester.

INITIAL SET-UP:

• Grid size as appropriate to players’ age and ability. • Four possession players (red) play on the outside of the grid. • Four defenders (black) play inside the grid. • Three neutrals (green) play with the team in possession

INSTRUCTIONS:

• The red team plus the neutrals play ‘keep away’ from the black team. • To score, the team can make a consecutive number of passes, or are tasked with transferring the ball from one end of the field to the other. • Once the black team regains the ball, they play with the three neutrals and transition to the outside of the grid. The red transition to the inside the grid.

COACHING POINTS:

1.   When defenders chase the ball, look to split them with long passes.

2.   Attackers should use feinting skills to slow down and misdirect the defenders.

3.   The neutral on the inside should look to connect on one touch passes with the outside players.