Switch and Strike

Objective

• -Switch play quickly after regaining possession
• -Use wide areas in transition
• -Finish from the final pass or cross

Setup

1. 1Set up a 35 x 25 yard pitch with two wide channels marked by cones.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end.
3. 3Split players into two teams, with one player from each side starting in each wide channel.
4. 4Keep extra balls with the coach near the halfway line.

How to play

1. 1Play starts in the middle with both teams competing for the ball.
2. 2When a team wins possession, they must find a wide player before scoring.
3. 3The wide player can cross, pass or drive inside to create a finish.
4. 4A goal only counts after the ball has gone through a wide channel.
5. 5Restart immediately after each shot or turnover.

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

• -Ignoring the wide player
• -Arriving too early to the box
• -Crossing without support