Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Attacking transitions

Screen 1

Exercise Setup: 4v4 + 3 Jokers Transition Game

Coaching Points

• Body Position & Scanning (Before Receiving)

  • Players should constantly scan the field and adopt an open body shape to see both the ball and the next pass.

  • Encourage players to receive on the half-turn to speed up transitions and identify forward passing lanes quickly.

• Movement Off the Ball (Support & Timing)

  • Off-the-ball players should create angles of support and time their runs into the end zone based on the round's rule.

  • Emphasize dynamic movement to unbalance defenders, especially in Round 2 (timed runs) and Round 3 (early positioning for one-touch play).

• Decision Making in Transition

  • Players must recognize when to play safe (keep possession) vs. when to penetrate (look forward quickly).

  • Highlight using jokers effectively to create overloads and exploit space toward the end zone

Screen 3

Setup

• Area: 40 x 35 yards

• Players: 5v3 transition game

Instructions

• Starting Play:

  • One team starts with the ball.

  • They must immediately play into their highest (furthest forward) player.

  • This triggers a 5v3 with outside players Joining  

• Transition Rule:

  • If the defending team wins possession, they gain wide players  and the attacking team loses  players (shifting numerical advantage).

  • Play continues with the new numbers.

• Rotations:

  • After a goal or a missed shot, new players enter the field.

  • Keep the game flowing with quick rotations.

Scoring Format (Rounds)

• Round 1: First team to 6 goals wins

• Round 2: First team to 8 goals wins

• Round 3: First team to 12 goals wins

Attacking Coaching Points (3v2)

• Play Quickly into the Highest  Player

  • Encourage immediate recognition and execution of the first pass forward.

  • Time and angle of support from the other two players is key.

• Create Width and Depth

  • Spread out to stretch the two defenders.

  • One player should always look to provide depth (penetration), the others offer width and support.

• Decision-Making in the Final Third

  • Encourage composed finishes, not rushed shots.

  • Recognize when to pass vs. when to shoot.

• Third-Man Runs

  • Look for clever off-the-ball movement to unbalance the defenders.

  • Combination play (e.g. wall pass, overlap) to break lines.

Defending Coaching Points (5v3)

• Delay the Attack

  • First defender pressures the ball to slow play.

  • Second defender covers the central space to protect the goal.

• Compactness and Communication

  • Stay tight together to deny passing lanes.

  • Constant communication between the two defenders is crucial.

• Force Wide and Win the Ball

  • Guide the attacker toward the sidelines to limit options.

  • Tackle only when the timing is right — don't dive in.

Transition Moments (Both Directions)

• React Quickly

  • Transition immediately when possession changes — no pauses.

  • Encourage "next action" mentality: can we counter? Can we recover?

• Shape Adjustment

  • Attackers become defenders and vice versa — players must recognize and adjust their positioning fast.

• Communication and Recovery Runs

  • As numbers shift, players must talk and recover to protect/attack space.