Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): HCFC 2007BR EDP Fall 2019 Switching Play

Intro

Organization:

At the start of the practice, the players are divided into two groups. One group start with Activity 1 while the other group work on Activity 2. Upon coach's call, the players switch grids to work on the other

activity.

Activity 1:

Two connecting grids are used, each approximately 10 yards by 20 yards. There are five attacking players and one defender. Four attackers are placed on the perimeter of one of the grids while the

defender is positioned the inside the same grid. One attacker (target man) is positioned on the end-line of the opposite grid (see diagram). Identify defender by using colored bib i.e. defender hold a bib.

Instructions:

The four attacking players attempt to keep possession from the defender and obtain 4 consecutive passes. After making 4 passes the players must pass the ball forward to the "target man" at the end-line of the opposite grid. Once the ball has been played to the target man, players on the sides (3&4) of the grid move to the side of the opposite grid to support the target man. The defender follows the play and attempts to win the ball in the opposite grid. Player 2 now becomes the new target man. After obtaining 4 passes the ball is switched back to the original grid. If the defender wins possession or forces an error, the defender replaces the attacker that gave possession away. First pass is always free to allow the activity to commence.

Coaching Points:

- The supporting players must always work to offer the deepest and widest possible angles for the player in possession.

- How wide can I get to give the best possible passing lane?

- How far from the defender can I get to give the maximum time on the ball when the pass is received?

- The player in possession must look to disguise their passing intentions by using step-overs, body feints and head fakes.

- Accuracy of pass when switching play.

Activity 2:

4v2 Transitional Rondo with the ball being transferred into the other half of the grid upon connecting 3 passes. Whenever a turn over occurs or a

defender forces an error, they switch with the player that gave the ball away and join the team that's trying to keep possession. Players

need to provide good angles and distances in order to keep the ball away from the defenders in the middle.

Coaching Points:

- The supporting players must always work to offer the deepest and widest possible angles for the player in possession.

- How wide can I get to give the best possible passing lane?

- How far from the defender can I get to give the maximum time on the ball when the pass is received?

- The player in possession must look to disguise their passing intentions by using step-overs, body feints and head fakes.

- Accuracy of pass when switching play.

Conditioned Game

Organization:

Setup as shown.

5v5 plus Goalkeepers.

Instructions:

Blues are attacking both goals while reds have to dribble through the gates to score a point. Reds are trying to keep possession and also looking to switch the play quicklyto get through the gates. Blues are defending the gates and will press high to win the ball off reds. Reds needs to spread out when in possession and create space to switch the play and keep possession in other direction. Reds are encouraged to use their dribbling skills to score while Blues are encouraged to break quickly as soon as

possession is regained. Teams switch roles on coach's call.

Coaching Points:

-Recognising when to switch play.

-Speed of play.

-Creating space for the ball to be switched.

-Accuracy of long and short range passing.

-Finishing skills.

-Decision making.

-Awareness of space and passing options.

Progression:

- Free play.