Practice 1: Switching play using width

Why use it

This passing pattern gives players a structure for switching play.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Place the goal in the middle of the area. Set up multiple pitches if needed. You will need six or seven players per pitch.

How to play

Players start in the positions as shows. Player 1 plays to player 2 and moves to receive the ball back, before switching play to player 3. Player 3 sets back to player 2, who plays to 4. 4 sets back to 3, 3 passes to player 5, who sets to player 4. 4 then plays into player 6 who finishes with a shot on goal. Players should follow their initial pass and the sequence starts again.

Progressions/adaptations

Progress to play one-touch. You can also progress so that two teams in separate areas race against each other to be the first to score six goals.

Coaching points

Encourage players to perform two movements before receiving a pass – one in and one out again, as if losing a defender to create space. Players should put pace into their passes when playing long, then take the pace out when setting back to a team-mate. Encourage players to use both feet where possible.