Mastering the switch

1. Divide players into groups, each starting in separate squares

2. The coach plays a ball into each team, and each team sends 2-3 players to defend in the opposite square

3. Defenders earn two points for winning possession and dribbling out of the square, or one point for passing to each other

4. Attackers get a point for four successful passes

    

Practice

WHY USE IT

This is a progression from a rondo. It is more game realistic, with the spacing/option to switch play.

Set-up

Mark out four connected squares, relative to the age, ability and number of players. Place balls at the corners of the two squares and, ideally, have two coaches to feed balls in to keep the activity fast. Divide players into two equal teams, plus four target players.

HOW TO play

Each bout lasts three minutes, or can be played as a race to 20 points. Two target players start at each end (one per square). Divide each team into two, with equal numbers (3v3 or 4v4), starting in each of the top two squares.

Every pass is worth one point, promoting possession and patience. A pass over the halfway line to the opposite target player is worth three points. Everyone must be in the same square before switching.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Progressions

• Target-to-target switch = 2 points; or a pass to a player that can immediately switch = 1 point
• Players can only play to target twice in one possession before switching.

Adaptations – too hard

• Add an additional neutral player.
• Players cannot press/tackle target players.

Adaptations – too easy

• Target players have limited touches (1 or 2). This means targets have to think quicker, and players have to position/reposition faster to support.
• First time switches = 5 points. This promotes quicker body adjustment, scanning and challenges technical ability.
• Can only switch for 3 points in two passes or less, otherwise it is only 1.

COACHING POINTS

Attacking

• Reposition often, focus on open body shape and hips.
• Scan continuously – make a decision before you receive.
• Pass to the correct foot: where is the pressure?
• Receive and play away from pressure (back foot), with limited touches.

Counter coaching points (defending)

• Pressure together.

1. Divide players into two teams, in two separate channels, with target players starting at the 

   top and bottom of each channel

2. Teams earn a point for each successful pass

3. Teams earn three points for switching play to the opposite target player. All players must be in one half before switching 

    

Small-sided game

WHY USE IT

This practice is more game realistic (directional, opposition, decisions). Rules/points awarded bring out the repetition of desired action (switching play). Positions (e.g. attacking full-backs) are added to reinforce style of play.

Set-up

Mark out two small-sided fields, with mini goals. Select three neutral players (Yellows) to act as wide players – one plays in between both fields to test the central players’ awareness before passing. A ’negative neutral’ (in all purple here) is added for difficulty – this player can only defend.

HOW TO play

Play two regular small-sided games (3v3/4v4), with wide neutrals, and go through progressions if needed/wanted, based on the challenge level.

Each bout lasts five or six minutes, or until the negative neutral steals the ball seven times.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Progressions

• Neutral players play against each other (a game within a game, collect scores at the end). Each time they receive, they get 1 point, or 2 points for an assist or a goal. This encourages them to receive and be positive. 

• Neutral-to-neutral pass = 1 point.

• Neutral-to-neutral pass and a goal = 3 points. 

• Full-back to full-back goal = 5 points.

Adaptations – too hard

• Add additional neutrals.

• Wide players are unopposed on the outside, but can’t score.

Adaptations – too easy

• Play the same game without wide neutrals, just have wide channels where players can play in and the rewards can still count.
  

   

COACHING POINTS

Attacking

• Reposition often, focus on open body shape and hips.

• Team shape: width/depth/height.

• Scan continuously – make a decision before you receive. Check wide player is available.

• Pass to the correct foot: where is the pressure?

• Receive and play away from pressure (back foot), within limited touches.

• Various technical execution of first-time switches.

• Full-backs receive the switch as high as possible.

• Weak side full-back has decision as to whether to position themselves wide or inverted.

1. Divide players into four teams of 4 or 5, with three neutral players and a negative neutral player

2. Teams play on adjacent pitches, with neutral players positioned on each touchline. The middle neutral player plays for both pitches

3. Normal match rules apply, but the negative neutral (purple) can only play for the out-of-possession teams

4. Each bout is over after five or six minutes or when the negative neutral wins possession seven times