Blue to Red

Objective

• -Change from defence to attack through colour changes
• -Keep awareness of team roles
• -React to switches in possession

Setup

1. 1Set out a 30 x 24 yard pitch with one end marked blue and the other red using cones.
2. 2Split players into two teams and give each team bibs of matching colours if possible.
3. 3Each team starts in opposite halves with a ball ready for the coach.
4. 4Keep the pitch clear with simple boundaries.

How to play

1. 1The coach calls a colour to show which end the teams are attacking.
2. 2When the call changes, the team in possession must turn and attack the new end quickly.
3. 3If possession changes, the new team attacks the opposite colour straight away.
4. 4Restart quickly after each dead ball.
5. 5Keep the players moving and listening.

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

• -Not listening to the signal
• -Standing after a change
• -Poor spacing on the switch