Switch Lane Game

Objective

• -Move the ball from one side to the other
• -Stretch the pitch with width
• -Find the far side quickly

Setup

1. 1Mark a long 36 x 20 yard pitch.
2. 2Create one wide lane on each side using cones.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs for one team.
4. 4Start with a ball in the middle third.

How to play

1. 1Teams play keep ball and score by completing a pass from one wide lane to the other.
2. 2The ball can travel through the middle but must touch both wide lanes before a point counts.
3. 3Defenders try to stop the switch and regain possession.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart with the team that did not cause it.
5. 5Tell players to move the ball quickly when one side becomes crowded.

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

• -Everyone staying central
• -Slow ball speed
• -Forcing passes across pressure