Target Players

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Target Players is an advanced soccer possession drill built around finding the forward and connecting with him. The attacking team plays through pressure to a target in the far half, then floods forward to support - and if they lose the ball up there, only a furious press wins it back. It teaches U12-U16 players the real cost of a turnover in the attacking third.

Find similar exercises in our possession drills collection or filter by age with drills for U14 teams.

Setup

• Mark a 25×25 yard grid and split it down the middle with cones.
• Use 8 players per grid; with 16 players, run two identical grids side by side.
• In one half, place four attackers (Blue) plus two defenders (Yellow).
• In the other half, place one Blue target player marked by one Yellow defender.

How It Works

1. Blue play 4v2 in the first half, looking for a moment to pass into the target in the attacking half.
2. When the ball reaches the target, three Blue players sprint over to support, and one more Yellow defender crosses to help win it back.
3. If the Yellow defender in the attacking half intercepts the entry pass, they keep the ball away from the target while the two Yellow defenders from the other half arrive to make it 3v1 - those defenders are limited to two touches.
4. If the target (or Blue) wins the ball back, Blue play across to the players waiting in the other half and the pattern restarts the opposite way.
5. Blue aim for 10 successful transfers before players rotate roles.
6. If Yellow win the ball and string 10 passes together, the whole attacking team pays a forfeit - push-ups, sit-ups, or sprints, coach's choice.

Coaching Points

• Look for the target early - the pass into the forward is the trigger for everything.
• Support runs must be immediate; a target left alone will be outnumbered within seconds.
• After losing the ball in the attacking half, press instantly and aggressively - hesitation means playing two men down.
• Keep the 4v2 patient: draw the defenders out to open the passing lane forward.

Variations

• Limit the attackers to two touches to speed up circulation.
• Require a set number of passes before the ball can go into the target.
• Adjust the forfeit pass count up or down to balance the contest.