Possession Theory | Quick-Start Rules
Bread and Butter Thoughtscrims | Advanced Thoughtscrims

The Bread and Butter Thoughtscrims

A Thoughtful Scrimmage, or Thoughtscrim, is a scrimmage that zeros in on one of soccer's parts. If you don't like the term, feel free to call them conditioned scrimmages. The Thoughtscrims in this section are for the Possession Part. They force your players to experience, understand, and then love! the possession secrets.

The object of each. Thoughtscrim is to score goals and win. Keepers are optional, and the offside rule can be added if you like. Balls may be brought into play with either throw-ins or kick-ins.

There are many ways to set up the scrimmage field. You can use real goals with Keepers, or small goals and no Keepers. A variety of different small goals are possible. A typical field setup, with cones to represent the important lines, is shown below.

Three-and-a-Drop

In Three-and-a-Drop, players are limited to three touches. Before scoring, a team must execute at least one drop pass (see diagram).

Rules for Three-and-a-Drop

Field Lines. The field requires touch lines, goal lines, and goals.
Three-Touch Rule. Each player may use one, two, or three touches on the ball. If a fourth touch occurs, the other team gets a free kick at the spot of the violation. After using three touches, a player may not shield the ball from opponents. The consequence, again, is a free kick for the other team.
Drop Pass Rule. Before scoring, a team must complete at least one drop pass, defined as a pass that goes backward at any angle. Once a team completes a drop pass, two consecutive touches by the other team erase the accomplishment. A single touch by the other team does not. A corner kick is considered a drop pass, and may result in a shot on goal.

The rules don’t say when to make a drop pass, but players figure out the best times. The forward direction is often crowded when the ball is first won—a great time for a drop pass (Scene 6-6). Drop passes also help later on, whenever the ball is about to be lost.

During the ten minutes of Three-and-a-Drop, you’ll see several improvements. The three-touch rule makes the ball move quickly from player to player. And the drop pass rule keeps players behind the ball involved. They’ll even yell “Drop!” when the ball is about to be lost.

Side-to-Side

This Thoughtscrim is a must, because it uses the field’s width. There isn’t a touch limit, so players may dribble. And before scoring, they must move the ball from one side of the field to the other (see diagram).

Rules for Side-to-Side

Field Lines. The field requires two side zones. A side zone extends the length of the field, three paces in from a touch line. It may be marked with cones along the goal lines, but this is usually unnecessary. Players may guess at the zone’s location instead.
Touch Rule. Players are allowed an unlimited number of touches. However, if a player dribbles excessively, or misses the chance for a quick pass, the coach may call a violation. The other team gets a free kick at the spot.
Side-to-Side Rule. Before scoring, a team must escort the ball into each side zone. To reach these zones, any combination of passing and dribbling may be used. A player may dribble from one side zone to the other, although this is not recommended. Side zones may be reached more than once, and in any sequence. Once a team has reached both side zones, two consecutive touches by the other team erase the accomplishment. A single touch does not.

In this Thoughtscrim, two thought mistakes are typical. First, players go straight to the goal after reaching both side zones. Remind them that side zones can be reached more than once. Secondly, players try long passes across the crowded center of the field. Recommend the drop-and-switch maneuver instead. A player receives a drop pass, and switches the ball to the other side (see diagram).

Side-to-Side is great for keeping possession. Your players will use different numbers of touches, and move the ball in all four directions. They’ll find open space on the other side of the field. And they’ll spread out without being told to.

First-Time

In First-Time, each player gets only one touch. The touch must be a pass or a shot, since aimless boots are always forbidden. To make possession easier, neutral players may patrol the touch lines (see diagram).

Rules for First-Time

Field Lines. The field requires goal lines and touch lines
One-Touch Rule. A player is allowed one touch on the ball at a time. That touch must be a pass or a shot. If a player touches the ball twice, or boots the ball without looking for a teammate, the other team receives a free kick. A player who has touched the ball may not shield it, and must immediately get out of the way.
Neutral Players. One or two neutral players may be used, one along each touch line. A neutral player may move up and down the touch line, and come a few paces onto the field. Either team may pass to a neutral player, who must try to pass to the same team using only one touch.
Scoring Goals. A team must complete at least one pass before scoring. A player may not steal the ball and shoot with the same touch.

Some coaches believe one-touch play with new players is harmful, if not impossible. Indeed, First-Time won’t work if players flock to the ball and boot it forward. Fortunately, you’ve laid the groundwork with the NAB, OPOB, and TIB rules.

The one-touch play might be rocky at first, but it will improve toward the end of the game and in every later practice. Players will look up and plan while the ball is arriving. And players away from the ball will get open more quickly. With benefits like these, First-Time makes a great start to every future scrimmage session.