Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Switch

Specific Practice

Defending the switch

Reds 1-4-3-3 (CAM and front 3 removed) 

Greens 1-4-2-3-1 (Back 4 removed)

MD-3

Equipment

Mini goals
Bibs
Balls
11s goal

Greens are starting with the ball from the left and attacking the big goal, if they can switch the ball to the right and score the goal counts as 2 any other goal counts as 1. If reds win the ball back while the greens are attempting the switch and score in the mini goal, any other goal in the mini goal counts as 1.

When the ball is in the wide area of the pitch the reds want to have the back 4 in 3 of the 4 channels, shuffling over leaving wingers free in the wide zone.

Coaching points

Keep play predictable
Force wide
Keep furthest player free
Pressure on the ball

Problem/solution

Greens are having too much success with switching the ball with short passes, so the 2 red CDMs must push higher up as soon as the greens start and forcing them to play a long diagonal pass.

Problem/solution

As the greens make short passes forward into the middle of the pitch, the reds must force them to make backwards passes instead of allowing them to make forward passes, if the reds can stop the passes they can stop the switch

GK:

- Positioning in relation to the ball

- Ability to defend space 

- Communication skills

- Organisation skills