Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Switching the play General - SSG

SSG - switching play (15 mins)

Principle: Knowing when and how to switch the play in possession. This can be done creating an overload on one side of the pitch before changing the point of attack with a switch of play. 

Organisation: 60mx55m 

9v9 with a goalkeeper each. Blue team play 1-4-3-1 (1-4-3-3 missing the wingers) and red team play 1-3-4-1 (1-4-4-2 missing a centre back and striker) with a wide back 3, like a right back and left back. 

2 big goals in use

Splats mark out by line from general and the splats and mini-goals are pushed off the pitch to use the byline on the opposite side. 

Play 3-4 minute blocks for 15 mins.

How it works: Both teams score in a big goal. To start with blue team have no constraints in possession to keep them interested but a progression will be to add some. 

Throw ins are played as this allows the ball to be in wide areas more which affords the switch of play. 

The red team are still encouraged to switch the play using the wide centre backs and wide midfielders to hold the width with the goalkeeper and central defender offering depth. Due to the ability it may be that the wide centre back on the opposite side tucks in a bit narrower if they can't pass over a long distance. Use the lines of the penalty box as a guide to say the wide midfielder should always be wider than the penalty box line. 

The blue team are encouraged to stay compact and press the ball when they can in wide areas. This should drag their midfield 3 across the pitch opening up space to switch the play. 

To increase repetition try to feed the ball to the red goalkeeper when possible. Or anytime the ball goes out of play for a goal kick or corner it always starts with the red goalkeeper. 

Progressions: A goal from a switch of play is worth 3 for the reds. Blues have a maximum of 6 passes before shooting, once they make more than 6 passes the ball turns over either where the pass was made or continue if the reds have won it back. If the blues can score within 6 passes the goal is worth 3. 

Regressions: If the reds can switch the play that is worth 1 goal. Change a blue player for a red making an 10v8 and play 1-3-3-3 for the reds giving more numbers in wide areas. Make the blues play 1-3-3-1. 

Key points: Type of switch, is it one long pass? Or a few quick short passes in a similar direction? 

Ball speed

Positioning to maintain width and depth 

Calling for the ball for the switch

Out of possession: Stay compact defending putting pressure on the ball when able to in wide areas.