Transition Back-to-Goal Receiving

Objective

• -Hold the ball up with a defender behind
• -Decide between setting, spinning or turning
• -Link the striker to runners from midfield

Setup

1. 1A central receiving zone in front of a goal in a 36 x 28 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls at the midfield start cone, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Midfielder passes into the striker who has a defender behind them.
2. 2Striker either sets the ball back or spins in behind.
3. 3The move finishes with a strike on goal.
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

• -Standing still waiting for the pass
• -Taking a touch straight into the defender
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover