By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 24 x 26yrds
Teams: 2 (6 v 6 + 1)
Time: 20 Minutes
Objectives
- To keep switching the field and move the ball away from pressure
- To transition from high press defense to offense
- Create angles of support and quick decision making
This is a simple possession practice with multi directions that engages the quick transition that occurs in games. It is high intensity and works on both offense and defense.
There are two teams, one playing horizontally and one playing vertically with a neutral in the middle for the team in possession. There are two players on either side of the playing area. The aim of the practice is to keep possession and switch the ball from one side to the other depending on where the defenders are.
When the ball reaches a target player, if the natural passes the ball the target player stays where they are, if a team mate passes they switch. This is to help with rotating positions and giving players some recovery time from high pressing.
When the target player receives the ball from a team mate they have a decision to make. They can either pass straight away, (as shown to the neutral) they can dribble out then pass or they can combine with the player replacing them, who can then pass out.
The defending team should high press the ball to win the ball back and speed up the tempo of the practice. Aim for one player to cut one side of the field off from the player in possession and the remaining defenders man mark players closest to the ball so an interception is possible.
When the defending team wins possession both teams should quickly transition.
After your team has the hang of the transitions and rules create a competition. Every time the ball is won it must be received by a target player to begin the sequence, once it has been switched to the opposite target player a point is given. First to 5 or a number dependent on how well the players are doing.
Coaching Points
- Spread out at angles of support while on offense
- Continuously switch the ball away from pressure
- Transition quickly into a high press defense when you lose possession to win the ball back quickly
- Transition to offense again when the ball is won back.
Variations
- Increase the area with larger numbers
- Have more neutrals
- Encourage balls over the top if there is no other option
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
