By Sean Reed -
Objective
This is a session that focus’s switching the play to change the direction of attack in order to maintain possession and create chances on goal.
Set Up – Possession Switching the Play
The session is set up within one half of the pitch. The area is approx width of the penalty box and two penalty boxes in length. Then there is a channel either side approx 5-7yds inside the touchline. Within the main area it is 5v5/6v6/7v7 dependent on the number of players and 2 neutral players in each of the wide channels. The objective for this session is for the team in possession to work the ball from one end to the other. Once the ball goes to the outside players, the 2 neutral players combine and the ball returns into the main area. (Neutral players must remain in their half). A goal is only scored when the ball is worked from one end to the other successfully. See Diagram 1
Progressions
• Restrictions on the number of touches
• Specified number of passes before the ball goes into wide areas
• One touch for neutral players
Set Up – Possession Switching the Play with GK
The session is set up as within the previous session. Within this session the GK’s are included and there is a restriction on where the ball can be played into the outside players from. The ball can only go out to the neutral players from the opposite half of the pitch (encouraging a longer pass). See Diagram 2.
Progressions
• Restrictions on the number of touches
• The wide players can switch areas to encourage movement / rotation
• Specified number of passes before the ball goes into wide areas
• GK in freezone (2 touch limit)
Set Up – Possession with Transition & Goals
The session is set up as within the previous session. For this session the teams are now attacking goals to score. The ball must be worked into the wide areas; from the opposite half of the pitch and the wide players combine before putting in a cross for the attacking team to score. See Diagram 3.
Progressions
• Restriction on the number of touches
• If the cross can’t be put in the neutral player can play back into the main area, but must be worked out to the other side to create a chance on goal
• One touch for the neutral players.
• 3 Goals scoring from cross and 1 goal scoring from main area.
Some Coaching Points
• Movement to receive the ball
• Quality and tempo of play
• Range of passing to switch the play
• Recognizing when and how to switch the play
• Supporting the wide players
• Combination in wide area, first movement and timing of movement
• Quality of final ball
• Timing of movements, 1st contact on the ball
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship team Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
