Possession

Switch The Play Practice

Recognise when the far side is free

Possession
Passing
Team Shape
Premium

Switch The Play Practice is a 20-minute possession drill for 10-18 players, suitable for Under 8 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, bibs, cones. 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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Possession
Passing
Team Shape
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable

Duration

20 min

Players

10-18

Pitch size

40 x 30 yards with wide channels

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Objectives

  • -Recognise when the far side is free
  • -Play accurate longer passes
  • -Move the opposition before switching

Setup

  1. 1Pitch split into three vertical channels.
  2. 2Two teams plus wide target players in each outer channel.
  3. 3Balls around the outside.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Teams keep possession, one point for reaching a wide target.
  2. 2Three points for switching from one wide target to the other.
  3. 3Rotate the target players every three minutes.

Coaching points

  • -Draw the press to one side first
  • -Head up before receiving to see the switch
  • -Pass in front of the far player, into their stride
  • -Second man reacts to support the receiver

Common mistakes

  • -Switching too early before the press commits
  • -Lofted passes that cannot be controlled
  • -Nobody supporting the far side

Where this drill fits

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