Support And Switch

Objective

• -Stretch the play wide
• -Switch the ball into space
• -Keep team shape when attacking and defending

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with a wide middle and two side lanes using cones.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end.
3. 3Split into two teams with bibs, with players spread across all lanes.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game, but a team gets a bonus point if they switch the ball from one side lane to the other before scoring.
2. 2Players should be encouraged to stay wide when their team has the ball.
3. 3When the ball is lost, nearest players press and the rest recover into shape.
4. 4Restart quickly from the coach after goals and balls out.
5. 5Keep the game moving so players see when to stay, support or switch.

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 crowding one side
• -Forcing long passes without support
• -Slow recovery after losing the ball