Written by Dave Clarke
Switching Play: Passing Sequence
This drill is run to get players to work on the technical aspect of switching play as well as the physical. Players get lots of touches of the ball working on different body shapes and receiving skills. Run at a high tempo.
Coaching Objectives
This is a passing drill that works on passing and off the ball movements with technical aspects to teach players to open up their bodies to switch play and attack the weak side of the pitchusing combination play looking for good receiving, first touch, passing and quick feet to get across to the next position. It is aimed at players understanding why and how they switch play.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 7 Players
- 30 x 20 y
Technique Tips
- Passing: Focus on accurate, weighted passes to maintain the drill’s flow.
- Receiving: Encourage players to open their bodies to receive the ball on their back foot.
- Turning: Teach central players to scan the field before turning and passing diagonally.
- Movement: Reinforce the importance of following passes to keep the figure-8 shape intact.
What the Players Do
The drill uses 7 players in an area 30 x 20 yards, 2 players at the starting point, 2 in the centre and the other 3 on the corners. Start with players all in but try to get them to work two touch once…Switching Play Away From Pressure
This drill allows players to identify and move the ball away from pressure, rewarding them for keeping possession.
Coaching Objectives
This activity will reward players if they can maintain possession under pressure by increasing the space in which they have to play within.
Drill Setup
- 20 mins, 4 x 4 min blocks Mins
- 10 Players
- 5 yellow 5 blue Bibs
- 40 x 40 y
Technique Tips
- Passing:
- Focus on quick, accurate passes to maintain possession.
- Use the inside of the foot for precision.
- Receiving:
- Open body position to see the field and anticipate pressure.
- Take a directional first touch toward open space.
- Scanning:
- Regularly scan the field for defender positions and passing options.
- Communication:
- Encourage verbal and non-verbal cues among teammates to maintain fluidity.
What the Players Do
The team in possession will start on one quarter of the overall pitch. The defending team will start the practice within a square located in the middle of the overall area. The coach will play the…Split Zone Switching Play
This activity is all about using switches of play to change the point of attack which then puts pressure on the opposition's weaker side. The set up forces the attacking team to switch play before they can score a goal.
Coaching Objectives
- Changing the point of attack
- Scanning to see where space is
- Movement and support
- First touch
- Through passes
- Playing out from the back
- Crossing and finishing
- Body shape to receive
Drill Setup
- 4 x 5minutes Mins
- 18 Players
- 1 main 2 target Goals
- 9 Bibs
- 3/4 pitch y
Technique Tips
- Switching Play:
- Use diagonal passes to quickly exploit space in the opposite zone.
- Encourage receiving players to position their bodies to play forward immediately.
- Counterattacking:
- Focus on vertical passes and forward runs to break the defensive line.
- Look for quick overlaps or runs off the ball.
- Counter-Pressing:
- Closest player to the ball applies immediate pressure while teammates block passing lanes.
- Positioning:
- Maintain compactness when defending, but ensure width and depth when attacking.
What the Players Do
Using three-quarters of a full-size pitch set up a large goal at one end and two target goals at the other. The half with the team defending the two small goals is split into two zones. Place balls…Continue Reading For Free
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