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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Session 3: Switching play

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FAW Coach Ed

Diego Gomez Fabbrizzi

Profile Summary

Diego Gomez Fabbrizzi
Name: Diego Gomez Fabbrizzi
City: Miami
Country: United States of America
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

Pitch Size:

  • Half pitch (approx. 50x40 yards)

  • One full-size goal (for Blue team to attack)

  • Two mini goals and an end zone (for Red team to attack)

Teams:

  • Red: 8 players (including GK)
  • Blue: 7 players (out of possession)

Direction:

  • Red team builds out from the back to progress into end zone or mini goals
  • Blue team presses to win and attack full goal

Constraints & Targets

  • Red Team: Must begin from GK, work out under pressure.

  • Blue Team: Cannot press high until ball enters final third or fullback receives.

  • Target: Red team reach mini goals or end zone with structured progression. Blue team counters quickly toward full goal.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Specific training

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Specific training
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Specific training (20 mins)

Player Roles & Responsibilities

Blue Team (In Possession):

  • Ball-side FB drops in line with the ball to stretch defensive shape.

  • Spare CB steps behind the pressing striker to offer a lateral/backward outlet.

  • Opposite FB tucks inside to provide central overload near edge of the box.

  • Pivots (#6/#8) make vertical runs:

    • If tracked - open central lanes.

    • If not tracked - overload opposition back line.

  • #9 stays central to pin one of the Blue CBs and act as target if needed.

Red Team (Out of Possession):

  • Prioritise central compactness.

  • Press only on clear triggers (CB touch, poor body shape).

  • Defend the end zone without overcommitting.

Timings

Total: 3 Blocks of 7 minutes each (21 minutes total)

  • Block 1: Wide Play

    • Use FBs to progress wide and find #8s in advanced half-spaces to break press.

  • Block 2: Central Play

    • From CB inside box - find spare CB behind striker.

    • Progress centrally through space or into oncoming pivots.

  • Block 3: Free Play

    • Players choose appropriate solutions based on space and opposition shape.

    • Blend wide and central strategies.

Coaching Points

  • Rotate back line to move press and create free man (spare CB).

  • Ensure wide FBs stretch the opposition defensive shape.

  • Timing and angle of pivot runs – goal is to create or exploit central overloads.

  • Use #9 as anchor or third-man option when central lanes are blocked.

Problems & Solutions

  • #8s tightly marked between midfield and back line Opposite CB carries the ball into space
  • High pressing Blue team #9 drops into ball-side half-space to act as target

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SSG

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SSG
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SSG (20 mins)

SSG

Duration: 20–25 minutes

Objective: Improve players’ ability to recognise and execute switches of play to exploit weak-side space and create goal-scoring chances.

SETUP & ORGANISATION

  • Pitch size: 60 x 45m (half pitch)

  • Zones:

    • Divide the field into 3 vertical channels using cones or markers (as in specific training)

    • Optionally, add 1 neutral zone across the middle third for a neutral player (if numbers allow)

  • Goals:

    • 2 full-size goals

  • Teams:

    • 8v8 (including goalkeepers)

    • Normal rules, instead of corners team will get the ball back to GK

KEY CONDITIONS & RULES

  • Switch Before Scoring Rule:

    • The attacking team must switch play from one wide channel to the other before attempting to score.

  • Touch Limitation (optional):

    • Encourage quick ball circulation for example 2-touch max in central zone

  • Bonus Points:

    • Award an extra goal if a team successfully switches and scores within 3 passes after the switch.

  • Wide Player Encouragement:

    • Players must occupy and utilise both wide channels at all times to stretch the defence.

COACHING POINTS

  • Scanning: Players must recognise where the overload or free space is.

  • Body Position: Play with an open body shape to receive and switch efficiently.

  • Speed of Play: Fast ball movement to exploit shifting defenses.

  • Width & Support: Ensure wide players hold their positions to create space and receive.

  • Central Midfielders (#6/#8): Be aware of when to circulate the ball vs penetrate.

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