7v5 Possession (Progressing) — Creating a Numerical Advantage in Midfield
Progressing from the start of the build-up (creating a numerical advantage in midfield)
Setup & rules
- As in the diagram, start with a 2v1 in zones 1 and 3 and a 3v3 in zone 2
- The attackers in zone 1 can enter zone 2 only with a dribble
- Defenders cannot move to other zones
- The attackers aim to progress from zone 1 to zone 2, then to zone 3
- Once they reach zone 3, they turn around and aim to progress back to zone 1
- None in particular
- 15–25 min
Key factors
- Players in zone 1 draw in the defender to free up the other player
- When carrying the ball forward with a dribble, head towards the middle as much as possible
- While dribbling, look at which player's marker is coming to press you
- If play is about to get stuck in midfield, play it back once and build again
- Midfield players support diagonally
- A midfield player who gets free gets past the opponents' line with their positioning or their control
- Zone 3 players and the far-side midfield player also keep forming passing lines
Kazu's notes FROM THE COACH
Note: because the attackers have more players and because of how the practice is structured, the organisation already creates a numerical advantage. So the focus is not on practising how to create a numerical advantage, but on building a picture of creating one and on how to move after it has been created. Use it only as an introduction to build that picture. Adjust the pitch size according to how often the target situations occur. Tools: tactical concepts = support, fijar (drawing in a defender) / technical actions = carrying dribble, passing, orientated control (control orientada).
Use this drill in your own session
Download it and open it in TRAINING DESIGNER — a free drill designer and session planner in your browser. Edit the diagram, change the numbers, add it to a session, and export as PDF, GIF or video.
In the app: menu → “Import external data” → choose the downloaded file. No sign-up needed. The original Japanese article: junior-soccer.college.One idea a week from Japanese youth football
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