Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football Coaching Trends SEARCH

Football: intercept

intercept DRILLS
View All

3 vs 1 Keep ball

Straight forward passing and moving drill with only two touches on the ball. The blue players off the ball can only receive the ball at one of the four cones in each corner of the area and the red player is trying to intercept the ball.

Possession

Defending the Midfield

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Interceptor

Four players with one ball can only be outside the square of cones. Only one defender is allowed inside the square. The players on the outside have to pass the ball through the square to score a goal. The ball must remain on the floor. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball. Players should move the ball around at speed to move the defender out of position and create pass to pass across the square.

Possession

Lofted pass

Lofted passes are great for clearing your lines, switching play or dinking the ball over the top to a striker who is making a run behind the other team's defensive line. Approach the ball at a slight angle, back swing of leg (using arms for balance) and follow through with your pass.

Passing and Receiving

Minefield Passing

In both the wide channels put one defender and two attackers. Both attackers in the same rectangle must touch the ball before trying to pass to the other attackers. However the ball is not allowed to touch the floor in the minefield area (middle box). If the pass doesn't find its intended recipient because it falls short or is intercepted the player who passed the ball swaps over with the defender in their area.

Possession

Pass and pressure

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

Passing and Receiving

Pinball

Team stay in own half, except for 2 players from each team who are put in the other section. Each team shoots at earliest opportunity. Start the game with one ball and build it up to a number of balls. The two players in the opposite half score from rebounds or interceptions.

Conditioned games

Through Ball in the Triangle

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

Possession

Through Pass

4 players have to try and play the ball from one side of the area to the other by passing it between or around the 2 players in the middle area. 5 interceptions, then swap.

Passing and Receiving

Transition Game

Station four players in each grid, with one ball per practice. The white team start with possession of the ball. Player 1 on the white team passes the ball into the opposing area. The white team can then send two players into the opposing area to defend. A goal is scored when the blue team makes 5 consecutive passes without an interception. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Conditioned games

Interceptor Possession - Footb...

Four players with one ball can only be outside the square of cones. Only one defender is allowed inside the square. The players on the outside have to pass the ball through the square to score a goal. The ball must remain on the floor. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball. Players should move the ball around at speed to move the defender out of position and create pass to pass across the square.

General

Football: Defending the Midfie...

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

General

Through Ball in the Triangle P...

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

General

Dealing with the Backpass Goal...

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box.Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team.As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in.Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken.If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away.Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

General

Pass Through the Gate Passing ...

In pairs, players pass the ball to each other through a gate, or through a hurdle.

General

Football: Activation - 4v4v4 P...

Objective: The team on the outside to retain possession (on outside only) & switch play by combining with middle attacking team. It will get players thinking, moving & working together.Use a 20 x 20 grid and split your players into 3 groups, bibbed up. For example if you have 12 players (3 teams of 4). This activation practice will get players thinking, moving and working together. You will have 1 team spread on the outside of the box and 2 in the middle (one playing as Attackers, the other Defenders). The objective is for the team on the outside to retain possession on outside only & when an opportunity arrives, play to the attacking team (whom combine/pass) and play it back out on a different side of the box. The defending team can only shadow/intercept but can tackle once the ball is inside. If the ball is turned over, then a transition happens & the outside team will swap with the defending team.

General

Pass and pressure Passing and ...

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

General

3 vs 1 Keep ball Possession - ...

Straight forward passing and moving drill with only two touches on the ball. The blue players off the ball can only receive the ball at one of the four cones in each corner of the area and the red player is trying to intercept the ball.

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

General

Passing and Receiving Possessi...

Split your players into three equal sized teams, with two teams starting inside the area and the third spread around the outside of the grid. The team on the outside of the grid are neutral players. When they receive the ball they must pass back to a player on the same team that originally passed to them. The two teams inside the area play a possession game. The challenge for each team is to score 10 (or more) consecutive passes to score a goal.

General

6 vs 2 Invasion Game Defending...

High Intensity drillThis a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

General

Football: Kabadi - 4v1 Possess...

Four players are placed in a grid next to another four players. As soon as the ball is given to one group of four a player from the opposite four must enter the grid too win the ball back. Once the ball is won the defender plays the ball back into their own grid and the roles are reversed.

General

instep pass Passing and Receiv...

General

Handball Game - No running wit...

5 vs 5 game (can be played with or without goals).Game 1:Possession keeping game where all passing is with the hands by throwing and catching. Teams score a point for every 10 passes they make without losing the ball.Game 2:Alternatively you can play this game with goals. All passes must be made with the hands (players can't run with the ball in hand) and players can only score with a header.

General

Football: Movement before rece...

The red player (1) stands between the cones closest to the blue player. When red player 1 is ready to receive the ball they move towards their marker before checking off the player and making a run to either the left, centre or right gate. The blue player then plays the ball towards red player 1 who receives the ball and plays a one touch pass back. The red players change roles when the defender intercepts the ball from the attacking player.

General

Triangle passing Possession - ...

Set out a triangle with 3 cones all 1 meter apart. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 through the area of the triangle. Player 2 has to control the ball and touch it to the side before playing a return pass. Players must make sure that when they make a return pass that it is never played through the same side of the triangle that they have just received the ball through.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Football Dr...

Play 4 v 2 keep-away. Attackers are stationed in the corners of the grid. One ball per group. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Attacker 1 starts with the ball. The object is to pass the ball around the outside and middle of the square, playing keep-away from the two defenders. Players score 1 point for a pass around the defenders and 2 points for a penetrating pass that splits the defenders. How many passes can be made before defenders force the ball out 3 times or score 1 goal? Repeat and rotate.

General

4 v 2 Rotation Possession - Fo...

Four players are placed in a grid with two defender. The four attacking players aim is to keep possesion as long as possible. The player who makes the mistake must swap over and become the defender.

General

3 vs 3 Football Possession - S...

Each teams has 3 players and one goal to defend and one to attack. The ball is not allowed to stop or go over head height. By passing and dribbling the ball players must try to score three goals - first to three wins!

General

Football: Simple 2v1 Possessio...

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).<br>Coaching Points:- <br>Use of dummies<br>Pass with all parts of both feet

General

5v3 End Zone Possession - Socc...

The 5 attackers must get the ball from one end zone to the other without losing possession to the defenders.<BR><BR><br>Encourages use of width,depth and possession.<BR><BR><br>Progressions:-<BR>Only use 2 touch<BR>No balls allowed over head height<BR>

General

Passing and Finishing Passing ...

Position 5 Attackers as shown in the diagram, with Player 4 being marked by a Defender.Pass 1 &gt; 3 &gt; 2 &gt; 4 &gt; 5, with 5 running round from behind 4 to collect the pass.As ball is travelling from 3 to 4 then 5 makes the run. It is key that he doesn't go too early. Set this up on the left and the right, You can play both sides, with Player 1 passing alternately to the left and then right. Form a line of players ready on the centre circle ready to make it a continuous drill.Each Player moves to the starting position of the Player they just passed to, except 5 who becomes the Defender and the Defender who joins the line of 1s.

General

Pass and Release relay Passing...

Player 1 passes to player 2, meanwhile player 3 reacts to this pass and moves so that they're ready to receive from player 2, with their body open to the wing. Meanwhile player 1 charges up the line, ready to receive the pass from player 3. When they receive the ball on the run they switch the ball to player 1 on the other side and the drill continues.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
intercept DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Agility Drills
Agility Drills
intercept SESSIONS
View All

Goalkeeper Footwork Drills

The best keepers in the world use their feet to make saves and to always be in the right position. Their agility and bounce comes from the timing and accuracy of their footwork. Work your keepers with this session.

Junior Defending - Making sure all players are covered

Teach all your players how to stand up and resist the temptation to dive in. Instead jockey players and wait for the right moment to make the interception!

Goalkeeping Dealing with Cutbacks

Get your goalkeepers dealing with cutbacks by staying on their feet and anticipating the change of angle.

High Dives and Top Hand Saves

Improve the goalkeepers ability to deal with high in-swinging shots into the top corners and ensure the correct technique is being used.

Make your Corners Count!

Set pieces need to be made the most of in a match. This plan will make those corners count, and improve the communication between your players

1 v 1 Finishing against goalkeepers

Turn defence into attack in an instant by stepping in front of the opposition and intercepting the passes to spring a counter attack.

Intercepting Passes

Turn defence into attack in an instant by stepping in front of the opposition and intercepting the passes to spring a counter attack.

Aerial Passing - Switch it like Beckham

Get your players' to look up, spot the player in space and play an accurate aerial pass to release the player in space.

Off the Ball Movement and Patterns of Play

Banish the bad habit of ball watching once and for all and get your team looking up and moving for one another to create more passing opportunities for one another

First Defender Technique - Stand up and hold them up!

Teach your defenders resist diving in and stand up to hold up attackers when they're the first line of defence!

Turning defence into attack - Early ball distribution

Stop your players ball-watching and encourage them to make space, pass the ball and drive up the pitch, transitioning quickly from back to attack!
intercept ANSWERS
View All

U14 level - Are there any drills for getting the goalie?

U14 level - Are there any drills for getting the goalie to decide whether to stay on 6 yard line or intercept the through ball

Archived User Coach

My team can't seem to get the ball and pass?

Every time my get the ball they will always kick it long and give straight to the time where as they need to gert it and pass. Can any one help?

Matthew Perkins Coach, England

How do i get my u14 team to compete for the ball?

During a match, my team seem to stand back and let the other team take control. Is there anyway I can get them to be first to the ball and compete to win?

Archived User Coach

corner kicks drill practice

what is the best corner kick drill to practice attack vs defence?

Scott Coach, Scotland

How to make players be first to the ball?

Players are not reacting quick enough to be first to the ball. How can I change this?

mike doneski Coach, United States of America

which warm up is suitable before this dril

which warm up is suitable before doing through pass drill

Quinton Ndlovu Coach, Swaziland

difficulty

is there any way to make it harder for the defender

Gethin walters Coach, England

123 pass and move

how do u proggress the drill

charlies starting xi Coach, England

How do i get my u14 team to co...

During a match, my team seem to stand back and let the other team take control. Is there anyway I can get them to be first to the ball and compete to win?

Archived User Coach

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_football
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Set Piece Defending: Should Your Team Use Zonal or Man Marking?

Set Piece Defending: Should Your Team Use Zonal or Man Marking?

Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.

April 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
First Touch Under Pressure: The Skill That Separates Levels

First Touch Under Pressure: The Skill That Separates Levels

A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.

April 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Game-Based Learning: Why Play-Practice-Play Is Replacing Drill-Based Coaching

Game-Based Learning: Why Play-Practice-Play Is Replacing Drill-Based Coaching

The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
soccerheadingdribblingwarm uppre seasonpassingshootingdefending3rd man runsession planswarm upspossessionoverlapbarcacornerscreating spacegoalkeepercrossingfirst touchfitness

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create professional football coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested football plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of football coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT