Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Switching Play

Passing Drill (10 mins)

Set Up

Split into 3 teams (adjust number of teams based on number of players) or have 2 seperate areas if numbers are big.

Area size 40x40 yards

Each box 10x10.yards

3x90 secs / 60 secs rest

Each team has a ball and work at the same time, but starts from a differnet box.

Players pass the ball in pattern seen in picture - this can be changed by coach as appropriate.

- Add 1-2s

- set to play forward.

Only pass ball to players on same team as them.

Key Points

Passing - Pass with purpose, accuracy, ball speed, detail

Receiving - check shoulder, first touch in direction looking to play, movement to receive the ball.

SSG (25 mins)

Play 6 v 6+ GKs + 4 common players working in the wide areas (1-2-3-1)

Play 3 x 6 minute games

Pitch should have a vertical HWL + 3 x 18yd boxes

Each time in possesison teams have to switch play at least once across the HWL before they can attempt to score, except if the ball is won in the final third when then the forwards can attack the goal.

All 4 x common players can be used by both teams in build up and act as full backs and wide players depending on which team has possession. All 4 x common players are on 3 seconds in possession.

Both teams score extra points for socring directly from a cross.

Key Points

1. Shape in possession to switch play.

2. Switch in 1 or 2 passes.

3. Type of final pass

4. Timing of movement score from final pass.

5. Spread of runs in the final third