Throw-In Switch

Objective

• -Use throw-ins to keep possession
• -Create space with simple support angles
• -Link the throw-in to the next pass

Setup

1. 1Mark a small channel along one touchline with cones.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs, starting near the line.
3. 3Place one thrower and two receivers for each team in the channel.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach beside the touchline.

How to play

1. 1The coach starts with a ball to the thrower on the line.
2. 2The thrower must find a teammate and the team keeps the ball in play.
3. 3After the first pass, play continues into the marked area for a short possession.
4. 4If the other team wins it or the ball goes out, the next throw starts.
5. 5Rotate the thrower each round.

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

• -Standing flat on the line
• -Throwing without a clear target
• -Watching instead of moving after the throw