Flip the Play

Objective

• -Recognise when to keep or switch
• -Move the ball away from pressure
• -Reset shape after a turnover

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 30 x 24 yard pitch with a central line and two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs for one side.
3. 3Place two players from each team in the wide channels and the rest centrally.
4. 4Keep spare balls by the coach for quick replays.

How to play

1. 1Teams play to score in the mini goals.
2. 2A team can only attack after making at least one switch across the central line.
3. 3When possession changes, the new team has to re-set quickly and find width.
4. 4If the coach stops play, the ball goes back to the team that had it last.
5. 5Rotate the wide players regularly so everyone has different roles.

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

• -Rushing forward without support
• -Forgetting the weak side
• -Poor recovery after the loss