Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Joys of switching play FAW/UEFA C License task

Joys of Switching play FAW/UEFA C License assessment.

Primary Focus: In this unopposed practice we aim to improve the techniques of ball control, passing, turning and scanning. While doing these skills we will switch play to the other side of the playing area.

Organization and playing numbers: 12 players split into 2 groups of 6 wearing red and blue bibs. ( Have 2 mini goals ready to be added and removal of central cones for transition into a SSG with switching play incorporated) 

Pitch size: 24 x 24 area split into two 12 x 12 areas, red markers will split the playing area.

Equipment: Multiple balls, 6 cones, 6 markers, different color bibs x 12.

Timings: 15 minutes broken down into 4 x 3 minute blocks with 1 minute rest.

Explanation: Both teams have 2 players on each by-line. The 4 other players will be inside the area. Play will start on both flanks with 2 balls in play. After 5 passes the ball will need to be switched over to the other side. Players can use a variety of passes including lofted balls.  Once the play has been switched the next phase will start, the ball will be passed between the players before getting back to the starting position. The players on the flank can move across the line to create different passing channels and angles. After each block two players will switch positions out to the flanks from each group.

Conditions: Both teams must stay in each others playing area.

Challenges: Each team can get 1 point for each successful switching of play. Teams can keep count of how many times they can complete the challenge in each 3 min block. If a pass is misplaced to the wide player then a point is deducted.  

Progressions: 1. Introduce limited touches. 2   Give 1 player a bib from each team. Make it opposed so the player can close down players and block passes.  3.Make area slightly smaller by bringing in the cones by 5 yards.

Regressions: Don't introduce any touch limits.

Key Coaching points: Looking for players to maintain width, who and when to switch the ball, speed of thought on the ball. Players need to be loud in demanding the ball as they move across the by-line. Looking for Good ball control and weight of pass. Good turning techniques and first touch to set up the next pass.