Transition Side-On Duel

Objective

• -Win the ball while running alongside an attacker
• -Use the body legally to gain the inside line
• -Choose the moment to commit

Setup

1. 1A narrow channel with a mini goal at the far end in a 26 x 16 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls at the start line, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker and defender start side by side and race for a served ball.
2. 2The defender must get a shoulder in front and win possession legally.
3. 3Roles swap on every rep.
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

• -Pulling or holding the attacker
• -Diving in from behind
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover