Switching play

This session is about maximising space so as to be able to switch the ball quickly in creating positive attacking options. And at the heart of this is helping players recognise when to play forward and when to switch play.

It’s important to practise this because moving the ball quickly with both short and long passes gives us the chance to create 1v1 situations or overloads, which are key situations for exploiting the opposition.

Keeping possession under pressure and knowing when to switch is a major part of our style of play. For that reason, we’ll work on this type of session frequently.

What do I get the players to do?

Passing drill 1

Set up as shown, with two players on each corner, and two balls starting at opposite corners (1). In each square, the two players in possession pass and follow to their right until they make it back to their starting places. We’ll then restart the practice with players moving in the opposite direction.

1

We like to set up with two squares going in competition with each other – which team can complete the task quickest?

Passing drill 2

We now add in two players midway along two opposite sides. These players either receive on the back foot and move forward (2a), or set the ball for the approaching player (2b), depending on the coach’s instruction. Again, players follow their passes until they return to their starting places.

2a

2b

What are the key things to look out for?

The emphasis here is on passing quickly, receiving on the back foot and playing at a high tempo. Players must communicate and concentrate at all times.

Directional possession game, 8v8

This game is full width, played in the area between the penalty box and the halfway line. Setting up as shown, teams can dribble through any of the end line goals being attacked (3a) or in the middle goal (3b). If scoring in the middle goal, the ball must be passed to a team mate on the other side for the goal to count, and it cannot then come straight back through.

3a

3b

8v8 game with keepers

Now on a half pitch, we’re looking for players to use the full width and to switch the ball, in the process creating overload situations and breaks (4). We might choose to introduce three-touch to ensure the ball is moved quickly.

4

What are the key things to look out for?

Players should show excellent awareness, move the ball quickly out of tight areas and make forward runs at pace.

Technical skills are important – particularly receiving on the back foot – but players must also resist challenges and be comfortable passing the ball over a variety of different distances.