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Small-sided game: Switch it up
Develops players’ ability to switch play across channels, a key tactic to break defensive lines.
WHY USE IT
This three-part session works on players’ awareness and ability to switch play.
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players.
Divide players into two equal teams, and place a goal at each end. Mark out five equal channels as a visual reminder for players.
HOW TO play
Play a normal small-sided game, with emphasis on the key coaching points relating to switching play.
progressions & ADAPTATIONS
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Incentivise switching play by awarding double goals if a team scores having had possession of the ball in the two wide channels.
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If teams are struggling to create goalscoring opportunities, you can add a neutral player that supports the team in possession.
COACHING POINTS
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Patience in build phase. Be confident to keep the ball in small spaces, through short passing to draw opponents to the ball, creating overloads away from the ball.
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Keep forward passing options ahead of the ball to maintain threat on opponent’s defensive line and ability to play forward through lines.
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Quick ball movement to exploit spaces before the picture changes.
- Divide the area into five channels for visual reference, with two equal teams
- Play a normal small-sided game with standard rules, but an emphasis on the coaching points of switching play
- You can encourage switching play by awarding double goals if a team scores having had possession in both wide channels
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Sarah Brady
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