Circle Keep-Away Passing Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The Circle Keep-Away Passing Game is a young player's introduction to possession soccer. Passers ring the inside of a circle while two defenders chase the ball in the middle, and every giveaway swaps someone into the defending role. It keeps U7-U12 players laughing while quietly demanding clean passes and a good first touch.
Want more? See all our soccer passing drills or jump to U10 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a circle with cones, sized to your group's age and skill.
- Position every player just inside the circle's edge.
- Pick two defenders to start in the middle, each holding a yellow bib in their hand so everyone can spot them.
How It Works
- The outside players play keep-away from the two middle defenders; the first pass is free.
- When a defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost it: the defender drops the bib and joins the circle, and the new defender picks it up.
- If a pass rolls out of the circle, whoever hit the bad pass - or failed to trap it - replaces the defender who has been in the middle the longest.
- If the passers string together 10 passes, the defenders pay a quick, fun penalty, such as a lap around the circle.
- Passers are allowed to move around the circle to support the ball.
Coaching Points
- Demand clean, crisp passes along the ground.
- First touch should go into space or set up the next pass.
- Call for the ball - communication makes keep-away work.
- Keep the mood light; it should feel like a game, not a test.
Variations
- Resize the circle: smaller for a harder possession challenge, larger to help the passers succeed.
- Shrink the circle specifically to force tighter, quicker passing.
- Limit players to two touches, then one touch as they improve.