Flexible Positional Games for Dynamic Soccer Training – 2 Drills

In Flexible Training Sessions 3, soccer coach Thomas Kettner presents creative positional games that blend intensity, decision-making, and teamwork. The following two drills—“Three-Color Game 4 vs 2 on 4 Passing Goals with Counterattack” and “3+2 Neutral Players vs 3 on Four Mini Goals”—focus on improving ball circulation, quick transitions, and spatial awareness. Both games challenge players to think fast, stay connected, and react immediately when possession changes, making them ideal for dynamic, flexible training environments.

Three-color game 4 vs 2 on 4 passing goals with counterattack

Organization & Procedure
3 teams (red, blue and yellow) with 2 players each. Field size: 12 x 10m and four 2m-wide passing goals 5m behind each sideline. 3 rounds with a play time of 4 minutes each. Total duration: 15 minutes

• 2 red players and 2 yellow players play together in 4 vs 2 against blue.
• The team in majority plays with max. 2 contacts to keep the ball.
• The 2 blue hunters try to win the ball and then counterattack on one of the 4 passing goals.
• The hunters have no restrictions.
• Afterwards the successful team starts with yellow to keep the ball.
• Which hunter team can score the most.

Coaching Points

• Open playing positions and playability
• Immediate counterpressing by the team in majority after losing the ball

Variation

• The team in majority is playing without contact limits

3 + 2 Neutral Players vs 3 on four mini goals

Organization & Procedure
2 teams (red and blue) with 3 players each and 2 neutral players (yellow). Field size: 16 x 20m with 4 mini goals at both ends. 4 rounds with a play time of 3 minutes each. Total duration: 15 minutes

• 3 blue players with the two neutral wall players against 3 red players to score on the mini goals.
• Play with offside beyond the center line.
• The neutrals operate with a max. of 2 contacts across the entire sideline and are not allowed to score goals themselves.

Coaching Points

• Constant readiness and all-round vision
• Open playing positions and game shifts

Variation

• There is no offside for the neutrals