How to play between the lines – Competitive Possession game

Possession game 4 v 4 + 2 neutrals

“Play Between the Lines” is a term the coaches use to describe the space between the line of forwards and midfielders, or between the midfielders and defenders. It’s the space between lines. The fewer lines the opponents have in his formation (i.e 4 – 4 – 2) the spaces between the lines are greater. Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, and basically coaches who love possession and vertical game are implementing this in their game plans.

Before we get into the practice first we need to talk about why playing between the lines is so important. A player who can free himself and end up “play between the lines” and can cause problems to the opponents depending (depending on their formation). Of course, having a player play between the line, then become marked again will usually break another line, creating a different passing lane.

Description

Possession game. In an area 20 x 42 (2 meters width the central zone) play a 4 v 4 + 2 neutrals. The players are located in their area.

Where is the ball there is always:

• 2 v 2 inside the box
• 1 neutral at the end line
• 1 teammate who drops into the central zone

Rules

• Get one point when transferring the ball from one neutral to the other (no interceptions)
• The ball can be transferred only after passing in the central zone
• The player in the central zone can receive, turn and pass (2 touches maximum) or play a lay off a pass to a teammate
• After the ball is transferred to the other side, the drill continues If the ball is recovered by the defending team, change roles

Progression

• Allow the direct transfer to the other side without the need to play in the central zone

Objectives

• Train the players to receive between the lines
• Patience with ball possession to find the penetration pass
• Support the forward pass for a lay-off pass

If you want to larn more theory and also to see practical drills to train the play between the lines, the book below is all you need.