Transition Delay and Show

Objective

• -Coach the approach and set position of the defender
• -Show the attacker into the least dangerous area
• -Win the ball at the right moment

Setup

1. 1A defending channel with two mini goals to protect in a 30 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls with the attackers, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker drives at the defender who must delay and show one way.
2. 2The defender wins a point for forcing the attacker wide or winning the ball.
3. 3Swap roles after each duel.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Sprinting straight through the attacker
• -Standing square and getting spun
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover