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LOGINSwitch it up
A three-part session to help your players develop their ability to switch play across channels, a key tactic to break defensive lines. Session structure: Practice 1, Practice 2, Small-sided game.
WHY USE IT
This three-part session works on players’ awareness and ability to switch play.
Practice 1
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Ideally this will be 4v4. Place two mini goals at each end, with the area wider than it is long. Use cones to mark three equal channels as a visual reference.
HOW TO play
Teams play a 3v3 directional game, with a target player at each end. Use normal scoring rules. Play four-minute games, with teams swapping opponents each round.
progressions & ADAPTATIONS
- Coaches can incentivise switching play by awarding double goals if a team scores having had possession of the ball in all three channels of the pitch.
- If teams are struggling to create goalscoring opportunities, you can add a neutral player that supports the team in possession.
COACHING POINTS
- Be patient in your positioning. One player should keep the width – this also allows passing lanes to remain open to the target player.
- Short passing draws opponent pressure, to create space/overloads upon switch
- Ball pace is important to exploit space. Minimise touches to move the ball quickly.
- Divide the area into three channels as a visual reference, playing 3v3, with a target player at each en
- Encourage the in-possession team to occupy all three channels, creating passing lanes to the target player
- You can award double goals if a team uses both wide channels before scoring
Practice 2
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players.
Divide your players into two equal groups, and place a goal at each end.
HOW TO play
Teams take alternate turns to attack the goal through a specific passing pattern. The first team to score 10 goals wins.
progressions & ADAPTATIONS
- Alternate the sides that teams start their passing pattern (right and left).
COACHING POINTS
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Chest forward: Chest in the direction you want to play the ball.
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Feet don’t stop, ball doesn’t stop: Adjustments are easier than stops and starts.
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Balls should be able to run across body. Position your body and time your movements to execute with minimal touches.
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Technical pride: Execute to high standards. Test yourself to maintain high-quality execution against the pressure of competition and time.
Related Files
- Set up with two teams playing alternately in opposite directions, unopposed to each othe
- Teams play a set passing pattern which encourages a striker to drop deep to receive, creating space for a switch of play
- Teams can choose to shoot at goal direct from the switch, or cross for a back-post finish
Small-sided game
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
-
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
Sarah Brady
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