Switch Gate Game

Objective

• -Help players move the ball from one side to the other
• -Build good support angles across the team
• -Encourage patience in team shape

Setup

1. 1Set a 35 x 25 yard area with cones.
2. 2Place two gate pairs on each touchline and one gate in the middle.
3. 3Split players into two teams and give one ball to start.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession and try to pass through a gate on one side before switching to the other side.
2. 2The ball must be played through a gate before a team can score a point.
3. 3Players should spread out to make width and depth, then re-group after the pass.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the other team takes over straight away.
5. 5Change starting points so players learn different shapes.

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

• -Crowding the same area
• -Passing without moving first
• -Ignoring the weak side