6v6+1 positional game in three zones (Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona)
Positional game recorded at a Luis Enrique FC Barcelona training session in 2015: 30x10 m divided into three zones, two players per team in each zone and a neutral player in the central zone. It is all about finding the free man and playing between the lines.
El 1 juega al 2 y el defensor C sale de su zona para crear un 3v2 en la zona A.
Objective
Progress the ball through all three zones under pressure by finding the free player with immediate, multiple and clear passing lines, and receiving on the back foot to move forward.
Organisation
30x10 m area divided into three 10x10 m squares. Two teams of six: two players per team in each zone, never leaving it. One neutral player who starts in the central zone and plays with the team in possession. Three coaches: one leads and corrects movement, the other two encourage and feed balls into their zone. Spare balls in every zone.
Development
- 1The team in possession tries to move the ball from one end zone to the opposite one through the central zone, where the neutral gives them a 3v2 overload.
- 2Possession players may not leave their zone; the team out of possession may release one defender from their zone to press in the ball zone and create a numerical disadvantage.
- 3Every time the ball crosses all three zones and comes back the team scores a point; circulation must be quick to avoid getting boxed in.
- 4If the defending team wins the ball, roles swap immediately without stopping play, and the neutral joins them.
- 5Four-minute sets with a one-minute recovery; three or four sets.
Coaching points4
- Immediate, multiple and clear passing lines: the two zone partners never on the same line.
- Receive with the foot furthest from the defender to move the ball through the crowded centre.
- The neutral offers between the two central defenders, never glued to one of them.
- On losing the ball the nearest player jumps and the rest close the lines into the next zone.
Common mistakes3
- Both players in the same zone standing on the same line and cancelling each other out.
- Playing slowly and letting the defender who left their zone arrive to press.
- Passing into the next zone before the team-mate is open to continue.
Variations3
- A player from the team in possession may leave their zone to create an overload elsewhere.
- Two neutrals: one in each end zone.
- 12x12 m zones for younger age groups.
Progressions2
- Two touches maximum in the central zone.
- Score only if the ball crosses the three zones in fewer than six passes.
Regressions2
- The defender may not leave their zone.
- Unlimited touches and 30x12 m.
Tips
- Explain the released-defender rule clearly: it is what makes the pressure realistic.
- Use three coaches if possible: one corrects, two feed balls.