Team Shape

Formation Switch Practice

Change shape in and out of possession

Team Shape

Transition

Formation Switch Practice is a 20-minute team shape drill for 10-20 players, suitable for Under 13 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Team Shape

Transition

Skill Practice

Intermediate

Advanced

Full Squad

Minimal Equipment

Adult Suitable

Duration

20 min

Players

10-20

Pitch size

Full pitch

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Objectives

-Change shape in and out of possession
-Understand the triggers to switch
-Keep the team connected during the change

Setup

1Two shapes marked out in different coloured cones.
2Full team in position with a coach cue.
3Balls with the coach on the sideline.

Coaching instructions

1On the coach's call the team switches between the in-possession and out-of-possession shape.
2Coach plays a ball in to test the new shape.
3Repeat ten times with feedback.

Coaching points

-Know your position in both shapes
-Switch as the ball travels
-Communicate the change loudly

Common mistakes

-Slow reactions to the cue
-Players unsure of the second shape
-Losing compactness in the change

Equipment needed

Balls

Cones

Bibs

Age groups

Under 13

Under 14

Under 15

Under 16

Adults

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