Possession Soccer 

Possession Soccer in Theory

While soccer used to be a game built around the strategy of bigger, stronger, faster, more aggressive and better conditioned, its evolution has proven that these traits alone can no longer prevail. It was simply too predictable. The sport has now climbed into a higher intellectual gear, called Possession Soccer, a term that has as many definitions as fans but whose underlying theme is universal: The use of prolonged possession as a way to force the opponent to defend the wrong spaces, breaking down its structure and striking when and only when weakness has occurred. But prolonged and patient possession is no easy feat.

In this lofty ambition lies soccer’s beating heart, the art of possession soaked in trickery and guile. The art of keeping the ball, yes, but circulating it with sheer unpredictability. Simple fundamentals of passing and supporting at first seemingly innocent rise to flickering speeds and grow full of deception. It is a philosophy demanding multiple dimensions of thought and analysis simultaneously and under constantly changing situations. A way of playing that trusts the individual player with the freedom of ingenuity. It requires players who are willing to use soccer fundamentals at their most basic level, one pixel at a time, and creatively assemble them by the thousands in sequences and layered movements, constructing a mosaic that in the end is far greater than the sum of its parts. Eleven simple but different passes to create one complex goal. Eleven integrated but unique players to create one dynamic team. Possession Soccer shines a light on our human tendency for personal expression and aims it right at the opponent. With Possession Soccer our kids develop a true soccer personality. One that chooses to outsmart, not outrun.

Possession Soccer in Practice

The engine of Possession Soccer runs on a fuel of simplicity, finesse and support. Here are just a few of the golden principles. Willingness for mostly—but not all–simple passes, and hundreds of them, because when the ball moves even three feet a defender is out of position and vulnerable. Meaning in every touch, because every touch on the ball relays a message to the defender, and to remain unpredictable we must manipulate every word the opponent hears. 

Highly finessed passing technique with trajectories and power refined to inches not general areas, in consideration of the space and pressure around the supporter. Receiving with deceleration to apply a soft touch. Receiving with an objective before the ball arrives, a skill acquired by daily practice of the LFA Colors game. Clear, early and easily-accessed support using LFA’s First and Second Supporter and Open Angle and Separation systems of off-ball movement. Dribbling with Step-Touch, a concept drilled more frequently than any other technique, as it brings the ball closest to the foot and minimizes the lag between decision and execution, rendering a player instantly quicker (a great dribbler comes as close as he can to “carrying” the ball with his feet by breaking up two big touches into ten minuscule ones). Almost every exercise, drill or activity LFA incorporates into the curriculum addresses these Possession Soccer elements, with player favorites like Shooting Space, Lost Pass Run, Quadrants, Supporter Tag, Target Player Game, and so on.

Possession Soccer in Colorado

Possession soccer is complex and requires years to begin to master; it is not something that can be taught in a few practices or even a few seasons. While some clubs believe that this style can only be effectively taught at older ages, LFA Rush believes that the earlier the player begins working on these concepts the more successful they will be in the long run. LFA Rush teams are constantly praised by opposing coaches and parents for their possession and beautiful style of play.

The only way to truly appreciate the difference in LFA Rush's approach and style is to come watch our teams play and see how they practice.