Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): 13-15 Xcel Week 4 - Mobility (Switch the Play)

PP (15 mins)

Focus on receiving with furtherest foot, having good body shape to be able to receive facing forwards and take firs touch where they want to go. 

GT (20 mins)

Set up based on the players you have, focus on them switching the play to then score the other side. add more/less players as need be.

Team Task/Challenge: When we can’t penetrate one side, can we switch the play to then penetrate on the other side.

Player Tasks/Challenges:

Full Backs: Act as outlets for the switch of play and provide width to stretch the opposition's defence.

CentreBacks: Initiate the switch of play and provide stability in possession.

Midfielders: Dictate the tempo of play, control possession, and facilitate switches.

Wingers: Exploit wide spaces and cut inside when necessary to support the switch of play.

Goalkeeper: Facilitate the switch of play and provide options in possession.

Coach’s Cues:

Full Backs:

•If you can’t penetrate on your side, can you link with the centrebacks or midfielders to initiate the switch.
•As the centreback closest to you receives the ball as part of the switch, can you receive the ball inside or outside and behind the opposition winger and able to take your first touch forwards.
•As you push forward into the opponent's half, stay aware of the positioning of the central defenders and central defensive midfielders for a potential switch.
•If you see the wingers tucking inside, consider making overlapping runs to provide width and an option for a switch.
•If your winger receives the ball and has an option to combine with the midfielder, can you make a 3rd man run beyond the winger.
•When the ball is on the opposite side, can you come central to link with the holding defensive midfielder. 
•If the switch is initiated, can you adjust your positioning to then provide the width.

CentreBacks:

•When you receive the ball in a wide position from a fullback, check for space and options on the opposite side.
•As the central defensive midfielders drop to create passing lanes, use them as a pivot to switch play quickly and beat the first line of the defence.
•If you receive the ball as part of the switch with space in front of you, can youdrive to progress the ball before playing a teammate.
•As the ball circulates in our middle 3rd, position yourself to receive and assess the possibility of a switch.

Midfielders:

•If the central defenders have the ball in a wide area, drop deeper to provide a passing option and help control the tempo.
•When you notice the opposition pressing on one side, be ready to drop deep and receive the ball as a central pivot to switch play.
•As the wingers drop deeper or move inside, position yourself to receive and distribute wide to initiate the switch.
•As the winger receives the ball after the switch can you combine with them to penetrate.
•If the winger/fullback makes a run in behind, can you play a killer pass.
•When the fullback/winger receives the ball after the switch, can you make a forward run.

Wingers:

•When the ball is on the opposite flank, stay wide and high to stretch the defence.
•If the fullbacks overlap or underlap, read their movement and adjust your positioning to create space for a switch.
•When the ball is switched to your side, be ready to receive and drive at the defence or deliver a pass.
•If the central defenders or central defensive midfielders switch the play, time your run to be available as a passing option.
•As the opposition shifts their focus to the other side, look for opportunities to exploit one-on-one situations.

Goalkeeper:

•As the ball is in our middle third, be ready to act as the starting point for the switch of play.