Transition

4v4 Transition Game

React instantly to turnovers

Transition
Small-Sided Games
Pressing

React instantly to turnovers. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Transition
Small-Sided Games
Pressing
Small-Sided Game
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed

Age

Under 9 to Adults

Duration

18 min

Players

8-16

Area / pitch size

35 x 30 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

React instantly to turnovers

Objective

  • -React instantly to turnovers
  • -Attack quickly when the ball is won
  • -Recover shape when it is lost

Setup

  1. 1A 35 x 30 pitch with mini goals at each end.
  2. 2Two teams of four with a resting team on the side.
  3. 3Balls stored around the pitch.

How to play

  1. 1Games last two minutes, the winning team stays on.
  2. 2New balls come in from the coach immediately on a goal or out of play.
  3. 3Continuous rotation of teams.

Coaching points

  • -First thought forward on winning the ball
  • -Sprint back goal-side when it is lost
  • -Talk through every transition

Progressions

  • +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
  • +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
  • +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
  • +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

  • -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
  • -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
  • -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
  • -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
  • -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
  • -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
  • -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
  • -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
  • -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
  • -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Standing after a turnover
  • -Slow reaction to the new ball
  • -Everyone attacking with nobody covering

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