Changing the point of attack

Being able to quickly, efficiently and, at times, discretely change the point of attack is crucial for any team. The goal of this session is therefore to demonstrate the different ways the ball can be transitioned from one side of the field to the other, as well as highlighting what types of passes and movements are needed. 

What we’re looking to achieve is both wide players and central players becoming proficient in the ways they can take responsibility for the transition so that an alternate attacking opportunity can be produced and, we hope, a goal scored.

Remember, when your team is in possession the opposition’s prime objective is to have proper cover and balance in their team. A quick change of attack to utilise space on the opposite side of the field, using 1v1s and 2v1s, can easily unsettle the other team.

What do I get the players to do?

Stage 1 - warm-up

We begin with a simple passing exercise, as shown (1), in order to get the players used to transitioning the ball from side to side, expanded to involve long driven balls. 

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Stage 2 - small-sided activity

This is 8v6 plus a keeper, with the overloading team attacking one central goal (2a). Players 2 and 7 stay in the wide right channel, with 3 and 11 in the wide left. Players 6 and 8 must move the ball quickly to wide areas to provoke attacks (2b), with number 10 also asked to transition the ball using one- or two-touch play. Players in wide channels can play with unlimited touches and all passing must
be at high speed.  Should defenders win the ball, it’s returned to the server.

2a

2b

To progress, combination play is introduced to encourage interaction between central players so they think one pass ahead. Then we encourage direct and driven long balls in switching play with one pass (2c).

2c

What are the key things to look out for?

Technically, passing must be crisp and clean. For two-touch transitions, the first touch must be under control to lead to a clean pass; for one-touch play, players must be led into space away from pressure to keep the tempo high. 

For longer passes, direct driven balls need to be emphasised rather than any passes with ‘air’ under them. But overall, the key component is getting the ball to the other side as quickly as possible. 

Tactically, players must understand when to change the point of attack. An overload of defenders usually indicates the change is necessary - prolonged possession in a specific area can provoke this opportunity. 

Stage 3 - expanded small-sided activity

We move to 10v9 plus a keeper, as shown (3), allowing the defending team to attack two counter goals positioned 10 yards in from each sideline. We add two attckers  and three defenders.  Giving defenders goals to attack means the attacking team must transition from defence to attack, offering additional opportunities to switch the ball.

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