Transition

Rotation Wave Attack Transition

Defend repeated waves of attack

Transition
Attacking
Defending

Defend repeated waves of attack. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Transition
Attacking
Defending
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Rotation

Age

Under 10 to Adults

Duration

22 min

Players

8-20

Area / pitch size

45 x 34 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs, Full Goals

Coaching focus

Defend repeated waves of attack

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Objective

  • -Defend repeated waves of attack
  • -Attack quickly against a settling defence
  • -Build game-realistic repetition

Setup

  1. 1A half pitch with attacking waves waiting on halfway in a 45 x 34 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  3. 3Balls with each wave, keeper in goal, two sets of bibs.

How to play

  1. 1The first wave attacks the defenders and the goal.
  2. 2The moment the ball is dead the next wave attacks immediately.
  3. 3Defenders stay on for three waves before rotating.
  4. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
  5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Coaching points

  • -Defenders reset the line between waves
  • -Attackers strike before the defence is set
  • -Communicate the new picture every wave
  • -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice

Progressions

  • +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Waves waiting too long
  • -Defenders not resetting shape
  • -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one

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