Switch And Score

Objective

• -Move the ball quickly from one side to the other
• -Create space with patience
• -Attack the free side

Setup

1. 1Mark a 35 x 22 yard pitch with a central line.
2. 2Place a small scoring zone at each end of the long sides.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Put a ball into one team to start.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession and score by switching the ball from one scoring zone to the other.
2. 2A point counts when a player receives in the far scoring zone under control.
3. 3Defenders can press and try to stop the switch.
4. 4If the ball is won, the new team begins from where it was won.
5. 5Encourage players to keep the ball moving until the space opens.

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

• -Not using the whole pitch
• -Slow off-the-ball movement
• -Forcing play into pressure