Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Quick Possession to Switch Play

W Pattern Technical Warm Up (2) (5 mins)

Using the set up shown in the diagram players do a technical warm up going through various passing patterns. 

Pattern 2 - There are 2 balls at the same time. The players create the overlapping pattern shown in the diagram

6v6+2 To (25 mins)

Set Up:

• Use an area 35*25
• This is a themed possession game set up with two teams of six plus two goalkeepers/neutral players, who can both be used by whichever team is in possession.
• It is played on a pitch with four wide target goals – each using poles – and a vertical line down the middle of the pitch, as shown in the diagram.
• The team in possession can score points in two ways. They will earn one point by making 10 consecutive passes. They score two points if they switch the ball from one half of the pitch to the other and then dribble through one of the wide target goals – an example of this is shown in the diagram.
• If a team scores through one of the wide target goals, they will regain possession and the coach plays a new ball into them.
• Play for six blocks of three minutes.

• SHORT SWITCHES - Short combinations could be used to transfer the ball across the pitch when there is pressure around the ball.
• EXPLOIT OPPORTUNITIES TO PENETRATE - Players should recognize opportunities to travel into space after a switch of play. If the switch is made quickly, there should be space for the receiving player to travel into, which could lead to a two-point dribble through a wide target goal.
• PATIENCE IN POSSESSION - The coach should encourage the in-possession team to be patient, not force the ball too early and wait for the correct passing option.
• CREATING SPACE - The players supporting the ball should be aware of when to show close to the player in possession and when to offer in the opposite half of the pitch. This will ensure that space is created to create a possible switching opportunity.
• SUPPORTING THE BALL - Players should be constantly offering support to the player in possession. Receivers will be under pressure at times, so it’s important their teammates’ support angles are correct and allow them to maintain possession.
• USING THE SPARE PLAYER - The in-possession team should use the goalkeepers as spare players, to recycle possession, drag the opposition out of shape and create space to switch.
• BALL SPEED - When switching play, the ball speed must be high to exploit any space left by the opposition. Players should be encouraged to punch their passes in to eliminate any opposition interceptions.

8v10 Tactical Game (20 mins)

Set Up:

• Use approximately three quarters of the pitch to play 8v10 to full size goals. 
• In the diagram the team in red plays with 3 central midfield players, 2 wingbacks and 2 forwards from a 3-5-2 formation
• Team in blue plays with a back 4, 3 central midfield players and 2 wingers from a 4-3-3 formation

• PROVIDE WIDTH - Wingbacks should provide width when team is in possession to force the defending team to need to cover as much space as possible 
• QUICK COMBINATIONS - #6, nearside #8 and one of the forwards should look to create quick combinations then look for the outlet that allows you to switch play and exploit space
• EXPLOIT SPACE - Once space opens up especially after a switch of play players must look to exploit space and create number up situations