Switch The Trap

Objective

• -Encourage switching play to beat pressure
• -Use the full width of the pitch in build-up
• -Press as a unit to trap and recover

Setup

1. 1Mark a 44 x 28 yard pitch with mini goals at each end and a halfway line.
2. 2Split into two teams with a goalkeeper or target player for each side.
3. 3Place wide channels using cones to help show the switch of play.

How to play

1. 1Normal game, but teams get an extra point for scoring after switching the ball from one side of the pitch to the other.
2. 2Encourage the team in possession to keep the ball with the back line until the press shifts.
3. 3The defending team presses to trap play on one side and win it back.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart quickly with the keeper or nearest defender.
5. 5Keep score and restart fast to keep the pressure realistic.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -All players following the ball
• -Forcing the switch too early
• -Slow support behind the ball