Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Switching Play - General Practice

Switching Play (20 mins)

2 minutes, 2 minutes rest, 5 blocks

3 teams of 5, with one team keeping possession in order to switch play by playing through the gates either side of the middle line, or play through central areas where 2 opposition defenders will attempt to block by playing on central line. This is done whilst being pressed by 3 defenders who will attempt to stop the team from passing through the 2 areas.

Teams are set up as 3 defenders and 2 midfield players. If the ball is switched between the 2 teams, then the 2 central players who are closest to the ball will press with 1 player recovering with the, into the box with 2 new players becoming central players.

If the opposition wins the ball, then a new ball is put into the drill by the coach. You can also condition the opposition to win the ball within a certain period of time depending if you want to regain the ball fast or sit off.

To keep it competitive as the drill continues, you can keep scores, how many times each team successfully completes a switch of play. Reward more points if your team plays through central or more if you want your team to play to a wide player.

Progression

-If a Team loses possession, then they must press. When they lose the ball they must transition to regain the ball with 3 defenders pressing and 2 defending the central area.

-If you have odd numbers then you can add a neutral player who plays for both teams or can reduce to 4 v 4 v 4

-Limit the number of passes.

The aim is to complete as many switch of plays as possible.

Key coaching points,

-Finding space with the overload

-When to switch the ball

-How to switch play

-Where to switch