Practice 2: Switching play using width

Why use it

This practice gives the attacking team an overload to support them to achieve success in switching play.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into two equal teams, with a neutral player (7v7+1). Each half of the area should have a goal in the middle, facing outwards. Mark out a channel between the two goals, with a neutral player in the channel.

How to play

Teams must play through the neutral player in the middle channel before a goal can be scored. The defending team must have three players in their attacking half. The attacking team can commit all players over the halfway line, creating a potential 7v4. In-possession players can move through the middle zone, defenders cannot.

Progressions/adaptations

Progress to play one-touch or two-touch. You can also progress to allow more defending players in the defensive half.

Coaching points

Encourage the attacking team to draw defenders over to one side by playing short passes, before quickly switching play through the neutral player.