Swap Box Game

Objective

• -Switch quickly from defending to attacking
• -Keep shape when the ball changes hands
• -Use width and support after regain

Setup

1. 1Create two side-by-side boxes, each 12 x 18 yards, making a 24 x 18 yard area.
2. 2Split the pitch into a left box and a right box with cones.
3. 3Put two teams in one box and two waiting players on each end line as outside support.
4. 4Use bibs to separate the teams clearly.

How to play

1. 1Play 3v3 or 4v4 inside one box while the outside players support the team in possession.
2. 2When a team scores by dribbling over the far line, the other box starts immediately with a new ball.
3. 3The team that loses possession must sprint and recover into the other box if the coach calls a swap.
4. 4Outside players stay active by offering passes and helping the attack.
5. 5Keep the game quick and lively with short rounds.

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

• -Ball watching after a loss
• -Forcing passes through traffic
• -Poor spacing on the restart