Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Switching Play in Possession

Possession (20 mins)

General Practice - Conatct Day 3 - Switching Play in Possession

Mode: Possession

Welsh Way Principle:

Knowing how and when to switch play.

Organisation

Area Size - 25x25 yards square with 5yard gates centrally on all 4 sides.

5v5 + 1 common players.

Instructions

Both teams start with a football in an unopposed situation to gain understanding of Welsh Way Principle to switch play. Upon a good understanding, it will go live with one football (oppsoed). Players in central zone will look to retain possession and play the ball to there team mates inbetween gates on outside of square (switching play). When player plays out to team mate, they will swap places.

How

Working with the red team the aim is to use the numerical advantage of 6v3 in possession to switch play through the central area to the players on outside as many times as possible. Should the opposition (Blues) regain possession they will have the exact same principle in mind (mantain realism) however a high level of success from them will lead to them being challenged to give the red team more opportunity. Blues must press the ball/ mark a man rather than just blocking pass to outside players.

Depending on success level, limit touches, maximum number of passes before switch, reduce time in possession to challenge players or accuracy of pass through gates to team mates.

Time Format

Jake:

1 min Unopposed

1 min break

3 min switching play 3 passes mimimum

1 min break

4 min encourage to leave one player in opposite side to stretch pitch

Nuno:

1 min break

3 min encourage to play through common player prior to switching.

1 min break

4 min limit touches but remove all other restrictions

1 min debrief

Coaching points

Jake - Make pitch as big as possible - always one player in opposite half of pitch to stretch defenders.

Jake - Dont block passing line into gates as this will reduce opportunity to switch play.

Jake - Rotations/ Movement in central area to create space for inidvidual or team mates to receive ball unopposed.

Nuno - Switch play quickly (through, around, over).

Nuno - Body shape/ how to receive ball - use of back foot/ half turn to allow switch of play early.

Nuno Weight of pass - allow team mates to play on one or two touch and switch early.

Interventions

Concurrent

Terminal

Walk Through

Coaching Process