Midfield Support Pocket
A central receiver moves away from a marker to show a clear build-up passing pocket, then connects with a forward support player.
- 12 min
- 8–16 players
Drill · U15
Diagonal Connections
Two unopposed groups create diagonal connections by moving into vacant grid zones before receiving.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Passing
- Movement
- Scanning
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Mark nine zones with flat markers. Six players form two colour groups of three, one ball per group; each player starts in a different zone.
Coaching points
- Setup: Mark nine zones with flat markers. Six players form two colour groups of three, one ball per group; each player starts in a different zone.
- Play: Pass only to a teammate in a diagonally placed zone. Off-ball players choose vacant zones to offer the next diagonal connection. One group plays while the other holds its ball, then alternate after two completed passes. Do not pass into an occupied arrival space.
- Reset and rotation: After 45 seconds, change the first passer and pause for recovery. Swap the colour groups’ starting sides next round. Stop and reset a ball that leaves the grid; keep receivers free to choose zones.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Look for an empty zone before moving and time the pass to the receiver’s arrival. Keep the receiver visible throughout the movement.
- Safety: Use ground passes and comfortable movement. One travelling ball at a time avoids intersecting deliveries; stop if players enter the same arrival space.
Equipment
- Ball · 3 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 16 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Let a receiver settle in the chosen zone before the passer releases.
- Harder The receiver changes to another free diagonal zone if their first option becomes occupied, and the passer responds to that movement.
