Possession-based football has become a defining philosophy for top clubs like Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. His coaching methods emphasize intelligent movement, quick passing, and positional play to dominate games. The book “Mikel Arteta Possession Exercises” breaks down the key drills and tactical principles that make his teams so effective in controlling matches.
What’s Inside the Book?
This training guide provides a deep dive into Arteta’s possession philosophy, featuring:
1. Positional Play Drills
- Exercises inspired by Pep Guardiola’s influence on Arteta.
- Focus on creating passing triangles and maintaining structure.
- Players learn to circulate the ball under pressure.
2. Rondos & High-Press Resistance
- Small-sided games (4v2, 5v2) to improve quick decision-making.
- Simulates real-game scenarios where players must retain possession under pressure.
3. Build-Up Play from the Back
- Progressive passing patterns to break opponent lines.
- Training defenders and midfielders to play out from the back with confidence.
4. Overload-to-Isolate Tactics
- Creating numerical superiority in midfield to exploit spaces.
- Exercises that teach players how to switch play and attack weak zones.
5. Transition & Counter-Pressing
- Immediate ball recovery after losing possession.
- Drills to improve reaction speed and defensive shape.
6. Final Third Possession
- Combination play to unlock compact defenses.
- Overlapping runs, third-man passes, and quick one-touch finishes.
Why This Book is Essential for Coaches & Players
✅ Proven Methods – Based on Arteta’s success at Arsenal.
✅ Progressive Difficulty – Adaptable for youth and professional levels.
✅ Tactical & Technical Development – Improves passing, movement, and game intelligence.
Who Should Use This Book?
- Coaches looking to implement possession-based systems.
- Players who want to improve their passing and positional awareness.
- Teams aiming to dominate games through controlled build-up play.