Transition Passing Gate Channel

Objective

• -Repeat accurate passing through tight gates
• -Improve first touch away from the gate
• -Add travelling passes on the move

Setup

1. 1A channel with three passing gates spaced along it in a 32 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3One ball per pair and a spare at the coach's feet.

How to play

1. 1Pairs travel down the channel passing through each gate in turn.
2. 2The receiver must control beyond the gate before returning the ball.
3. 3Turn at the end and work back down the channel.
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

• -Passing behind the moving partner
• -Stopping the ball dead at every gate
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover