Formation Switch Practice

Objective

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

Setup

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

How to play

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

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

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