Shift and Finish

Objective

• -Link quick team shape with finishing after regains
• -Train players to move together after winning possession
• -Reward organised attacking and defending

Setup

1. 1Set up a 42 x 28 yard pitch with mini goals at both ends.
2. 2Split players into two teams in bibs.
3. 3Keep spare balls near the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a small-sided game with normal scoring.
2. 2When a team wins the ball, they have a short window to attack with speed while keeping shape.
3. 3The coach can call out 'shift' to make the team move across before the next attack.
4. 4If the ball is lost, players must recover into shape before chasing again.
5. 5Let the game flow and only stop for clear teaching points.

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

• -Breaking forward with no support
• -Players not recovering into shape
• -Too many people chasing the same counter