The Ultimate 7v7+3 Small Sided Game (Used by Xabi Alonso)
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen shocked the world by dominating European football with an incredible, high-tempo possession game. If you want your team to replicate that ability to keep the ball under intense pressure, running static passing drills won’t cut it. You need to use dynamic 7v7+3 small sided games.
This specific 7v7 (+3 Neutral Players) possession drill is an exact exercise used by Xabi Alonso. Suitable for players U15 and up, this engaging setup refines ball retention, spatial awareness, and coordinated pressing in a highly competitive environment.
Here is exactly how to set up and coach this professional-level possession drill.
📋 Drill Setup & Equipment
- Field Size: A marked rectangular grid measuring roughly 30×40 meters.
- Equipment: Flat markers or cones to outline the playing area, and a large supply of soccer balls on the outside with the coach.
- Players Needed: 17 players divided into three teams: Blue Team (7 players), Red Team (7 players), and Yellow Team (3 Neutral players).
- Neutral Positioning: Place one Neutral player on the left sideline, one on the right sideline, and one operating strictly in the center of the pitch as a central pivot.
📺 Watch the Drill in Action
Want to see how the spacing and movement work at full speed? Watch the animated TacticalPad video breakdown below to see exactly how this Xabi Alonso drill flows on the training pitch.
⚙️ How to Run the 7v7+3 Small Sided Game (Possession Drill)
The objective of the game is simple: maintain possession of the ball for as long as possible while navigating intense pressure from the defending team.
Step 1: The Initial Possession The coach serves the ball to one team (e.g., the Blue team) to begin the drill. The Blue team immediately looks to expand the field and use short, sharp passes to keep the ball.
Step 2: Utilizing the Neutrals (The Overload) Because the team in possession can use the 3 Yellow Neutral players, they effectively have a massive 10v7 numerical advantage. The team with the ball must use the wide neutrals to switch the play and the central neutral to break defensive lines.
Step 3: The High Press The defending team (the Red team) must not sit back. They must implement coordinated, high-pressing tactics to win the ball back, working as a unit to close down passing lanes and trap the attacking team against the touchlines.
Step 4: The Transition Moment The moment the Red team wins the ball, the roles instantly reverse. The Red team expands to use the Neutral players, and the Blue team must immediately counter-press to win the ball back.
Coach’s Progression (Turning it into a true SSG)
Once your players master keeping possession, turn this positional game into a true directional Small-Sided Game. Add a full-size goal with a goalkeeper or mini goals at each end of the 30×40 grid. Now, the team in possession must use the 3 Neutral players to build up and actually score a goal, rather than just keeping the ball for the sake of it.
🔑 Key Coaching Cues
- Speed of Play: The 10v7 advantage means the ball should move faster than the defenders can run. Demand 1-touch and 2-touch passing.
- The Central Pivot: The central Neutral player is the most important player on the pitch. They must constantly scan their shoulders, play on the half-turn, and dictate the tempo.
- Defensive Compactness: Remind the pressing team that they are outnumbered. If they press as individuals, they will get carved open. They must press together and force the ball into predictable areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of a 7v7 small sided game?
A 7v7 small sided game perfectly bridges the gap between individual technical drills and a full 11v11 match. It forces players to perform high-intensity repetitions of passing, pressing, and transitioning while still maintaining realistic tactical shapes and spatial awareness.
Why use neutral players in possession drills?
Using neutral players (“jokers”) creates an intentional numerical overload for the team in possession. This builds confidence on the ball, guarantees a higher success rate of completed passes, and forces the defending team to practice extreme physical effort and compact pressing to win the ball back.
How can I make this drill more difficult?
To increase the difficulty, impose a strict “2-touch maximum” rule for the team in possession, or a “1-touch only” rule specifically for the Neutral players. You can also introduce a time limit (e.g., the team must string together 10 passes to score a point).
Build an Unbeatable Possession Team
This drill is the ultimate tool for teaching your players how to dominate the ball and exhaust the opposition. Start with a larger grid to guarantee success, and slowly shrink the field size as your players’ technical abilities improve.
Looking for more ways to dominate the midfield? Check out our complete collection of Small Sided Games and Rondos to find more pro-level possession exercises that will completely transform your team’s style of play!
