MIKEL ARTETA
S I X
P O S S E S S I O N
E X E R C I S E S
“My philosophy is
clear. I want the
football to be
expressive,
entertaining. I
cannot have a
concept of football
where everything
is based on the
opposition.”
Mikel Arteta
Physical Environment
Alongside the exercises, it’s also important to look at ways that Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal
staff modify the physical environment during the training sessions.
Differential Learning Clock Score
With a ‘shot clock’ running alongside the Similar to the ‘shot clock’, a scoreboard
On occasion, Arteta has changed the size of
session, limitations on time can increase can serve as a constant reminder for the
the balls to challenge players technically, as
intensity levels and challenge players in players, which can again increase
well as improving the levels of adaptability
regards to decision making and skill intensity alongside creating a competitive
within the team.
execution. training environment.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
8V8+4
HEXAGON GAME
Twenty players are organized into two teams of eight, with four
neutrals (in yellow). The game is played in a hexagon shape.
Players are free to move throughout the area, but to optimize the
overload, it’s best to organize the neutrals with two in the middle
and one on either end (see diagram).
The objective of the game is to use the numerical advantage (with
the overloads creating a 12v8 situation) to retain possession. For
every six consecutive passes, a point is awarded to the team in
possession. If possession turns over, the roles simply switch.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
5V5+4
INTO FINISHING
Fifteen players are organized into two teams of five, four neutral
players, plus a goalkeeper. The exercise takes place in a 20x40 yard
area which is split into two. The top half of the area is the possession
grid, while the other half acts as a goal-scoring area.
The game starts with a 5v5+2 in the top half. One team is designated as
the possession team (red in the example) and are looking to use an
overload with the two neutrals to complete three consecutive passes,
before playing to the wide neutrals in the other area.
Once the ball is played into the wide neutrals, two red attackers can go
in support and one defensive player from blue can drop in also. The
wide neutrals are limited to one-touch so support must arrive fast, and
red are trying to score immediately. If blue wins possession, they can
score in the mini-goals at the top.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
6V6+3
CENTRAL OVERLOAD
Fifteen players are organized into two possession teams of six
players each, plus three neutrals. The exercise takes place in a 15x30
yard area. Both teams are free to move in the area, two neutrals are
positioned on each end-line, and one neutral in the middle.
The objective of the exercise is to circulate possession using the
overload. The team in possession is looking to utilize the numerical
advantage (with the help of the neutrals) to retain possession. For
every six consecutive passes, a point is awarded to the team in
possession. If possession turns over, the roles simply switch.
A potential progression would be to award the team a bonus point if
they can transfer the ball successfully from one outside neutral to
the other.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
6V2
TRANSITION GAME
Twelve players are split into two teams of six players. The exercise
takes place in two 15x15 yard areas which are positioned 5 yards
apart from one another. The coach starts with a supply of balls in the
middle.
The exercise starts when the coach plays the ball into either square.
The team who starts are in possession and must look to keep the ball
in the square. The defensive team must send two defenders across
immediately and look to win possession.
For every five consecutive passes, a point is awarded to the team in
possession. If the defenders win the ball back, the roles simply switch
and the coach plays the ball into the other square immediately. You
can play timed games or have a number as a total and challenge the
teams to achieve it first.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
7V5 POSSESSION INTO
ATTACKING OVERLOAD
Thirteen players are organized into an attacking team of seven, five
defensive players, plus a goalkeeper. The exercise takes place in two
20x20 yard areas with a 5 yard median in between. The top half acts
as a possession area, while the bottom half is designed to replicate a
penalty area.
The game starts with a 5v3 in the top half. The possession team (red
in the example) are looking to use their initial overload to complete
four passes and then play into the other square.
Once the ball is played into the attacking square, one red attacker
can join to creare a 3v2 towards goal. The objective for is for the red
team to score as quickly as possible.
Mikel Arteta Exercises
4V2 INTO 6V4
TRANSITION GAME
Ten players are organized into two teams, with one team of six players
(blue in the example) and one team of four players (red in the example).
The game is played in a octagon shape with a 6x6 yard square in the
middle and mini-goals on the outside corners.
Players are positioned in the set-up shown and the game starts with a
4v2 in the central square, with the red team awarded one point for every
six consecutive passes.
Once the two blue defenders win possession, they are looking to find
one of their teammates on the outside immediately. The game then
becomes a 6v4 with all players free to move around the octagon.
The blue players are awarded one point for every five consecutive
passes in the transition, with the red team looking to win the ball back
and score in any mini-goal for one point.
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