How Hansi Flick’s BarcA Use Possession Games to Break the Press

Fresh off Barcelona’s recent win over Real Madrid, this breakdown looks at three possession exercises used by Hansi Flick that consistently appear in first-team training. While each game uses a different layout and numerical structure, they are all built around the same core ideas: drawing pressure, breaking lines, using the goalkeeper as an active problem-solver, and transitioning immediately when possession changes. What stands out in these practices is how little time players are given to feel comfortable on the ball. The games are fast, directional, and deliberately constrained. They look simple on paper, but the demands they place on spacing, decision-making, and collective movement are extremely high.

Below is a preview of the three exercises discussed in the video, along with practical breakdowns you can adapt for your own environment.

Exercise 1: 4v4 + 3 with Goalkeepers

This game is organized in a 20x30 yards medium-sized rectangular area with two goalkeepers positioned at opposite ends and one neutral midfielder operating centrally. Inside the area, the game is played as a 4v4, with the neutral always supporting the team in possession.

The objective for the possession team is to circulate the ball from one side of the pitch to the other while drawing in pressure. The goalkeepers are fully involved and are encouraged to play through, around, or over the press depending on how the defensive team commits. If the defending team wins possession, they immediately attack the mini goals.

The key feature of this exercise is how the press is manipulated. As defenders step higher and go man-to-man, free players must be identified quickly, often through the goalkeeper. The tempo is high, and the game demands constant scanning and quick reorganization after every pass.

This exercise directly links goalkeeper involvement with build-up decision-making and reinforces the idea that breaking pressure is a collective problem, not an individual one.

Exercise 2: 9v9 + 4 Octagon Possession Game

This exercise is set up in an octagon-shaped area with two goalkeepers positioned on opposite ends. Inside the pitch, the game is played as a 9v9, with four neutral players supporting the team in possession. Two neutrals operate centrally, while the other two provide depth support near the goalkeepers.

The objective is to progress the ball beyond the first line of pressure while maintaining positional balance. Although it resembles a build-up exercise, the intensity and transitions make it far more game-realistic. When possession is lost, roles immediately switch, and the neutrals adapt to the new attacking team.

The octagon shape naturally changes passing angles and pressing cues, forcing players to constantly adjust body shape and support positions. The use of two central neutrals encourages interior combinations, while the goalkeepers provide stability and reset options under pressure.

This game reinforces patience in possession while demanding vertical intent and immediate reaction when possession changes.

Exercise 3: 3v3 + 3 Directional Possession Game

This exercise takes place in a 10x25 yards narrow rectangular area and is played as a 3v3 with three neutral players inside the same space. Unlike many possession games, this one is highly directional despite the lack of goals or zones.

The team in possession uses the neutrals to create overloads and progress play forward. Because of the narrow pitch, going around pressure is difficult, which naturally pushes players to solve problems through the middle using combinations, third-player runs, and quick bounce passes.

When possession is lost, the transition is immediate, with the team that lost the ball becoming the defenders. The compact dimensions raise the intensity of duels, pressing actions, and decision-making.

This game reflects how Barcelona often play in tight central areas, where space is limited and solutions must be found through movement, timing, and collective understanding rather than width alone.

Common Themes Across All Three Games

Although the layouts and numbers change, the principles remain consistent. All three exercises are designed to draw pressure before breaking it, rather than avoiding pressure altogether. Goalkeepers are treated as outfield players in possession, transitions are immediate, and players are constantly challenged to recognize when to play through, around, or beyond the press.

These are not possession games for the sake of keeping the ball. They are problem-solving environments that closely mirror the demands of match day.