Mobility (movement) is one of the 5 principles of attacking play and is something we should be aiming for our players to achieve in multiple situations by the end of their U12 season. Unfortunately, when learning the game, many foundation age players have the tendency to either make a pass and watch it or ask for a pass while standing still. Sequence Passing Squares helps our players develop their possession play and provides visual aids to give players a trigger to move in these situations.
The playing area is broken into grids. These grids allow players to clearly see the spaces they can take up. They allow the players to make a decision on how far they move - a few yards away from where they were or a run at speed and distance away from the ball. The progressions allow the players to work on the movements, before developing their possession play and finally seeing these spaces in a game situation.
Set Up
Set up a playing area split into 6x6 squares. Players are are in 2 teams, with each player numbered from 1 upwards in their chosen team. Each team has a ball and each player starts in their own square. Teams pass the ball in number order, returning to number 1 when the ball reaches the last number. Players must move into a new square to receive a pass and find a new square after they pass.
Progression 1
Use 1 ball and have the teams play a possession game. 5-10 seconds of possession equals 1 point.
Progression 2
Add goals and Goalkeepers and play a directional Small Sided Game.
Coaching Points
Look up and around when receiving to see space to occupy
Look up and around after pass to see space to occupy
Observe position of opposition to determine the best space
Maintain team shape when in possession
Considerations
Have both teams race - who can make the most passes
Which square do you want the positions occupying?
U11-U12