Attacking Transitions

transitions in practice

We set up on half a pitch. The goalkeeper starts with a diagonal pass to the neutral player (yellow on the flank). The red players on the flank try to play out the 2v1 overload situation on the side [1a]. If the blue defenders win the ball, they can use the neutral player to play the overload to the other direction [1b].

[1a]

1. Goalkeeper makes diagonal pass to neutral player
2. Reds play out 2v1 overload
3. Reds attack into the box

[1b]

1. Goalkeeper makes diagonal pass to neutral player
2. Blue player intercepts
3. Blues play overload in other direction

If one player enters the box, the side players from the defending team must let the attacker go and there will be a 3v2 situation in the box that the attackers have to exploit to score [1c]. If the blue defenders recover the ball they can counter-attack in the middle area and the red team must have the rest defense in order to counter-press. If the attacking team scores or the ball goes out after they dribble into the box, the assistant coach on the side of the goal will kick a ball long so the red team must have the rest defense in order to counter-press.

[1c]

1. Blue player enters box
2. Red defender at side allows them to go, creating 3v2 in box

When the ball goes out of the box, the player who dribbled into the box goes back to the side so it evens up the 5v5 in the centre. If the ball goes out, the process starts over with a pass from the goalkeeper to the other side for a 2v1 or 4v3. Both goalkeepers can start the drill with a pass to the left and a pass to the right. 

We run this for three reps of five minutes.

We can then set up in a similar way, but across three-quarters of a pitch in a 4v3 situation [1d].

We run this for three reps of five minutes.

[1d]

1. Goalkeeper plays diagonal ball to neutral player

2. Reds create 3v2 overload

3. Reds look to score

coaching points

What are the key things to look out for? 

We are looking for good decision-making by the winger and the full back when crossing the ball. We also want players to think about where they are positioned in the box, and their efficiency in front of goal. For defenders, we want them to jump in only when they really see a chance to win the ball. They should be aware of the opponent when the crosses are put in, and they should be looking to close down the middle and the line to the goal.

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

In offence, the choice between dribbling or passing or shooting; decision-making in positioning, moments, direction and speed. In defence: delaying play in underload; shutting down the shortest way to the goal and not being positioned well in rest defence; only ball-watching at crosses rather than being aware of the player. Practising these activities will help players avoid these errors.