Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Transitional Play #1 (Play-Practice-Play)

Flying Changes (35 mins)

Flying Changes (Coaching Transitonal Play)

Activity

Divide players into two teams with equal numbers. Each player needs a ball and lines up to the side of the goal they are defending (keep them an extra 2-3 yards wide of the post for safety). One player gets to attack first, and a single player from opposing team comes out to defend. Whoever scores stays on the field. A new attacking player comes on the field with a ball every time there is a goal, or the ball goes over the endline. Players stay and play if the ball goes over the touchline, and they can use goalkeepers for support.

Attacking Transition Coaching Points

1. Quickly looking to get into open space behind the defender(s)

2. Do you shoot, pass, or dribble?

3. Know when to try and score, know when to keep the ball for possession

Defending Transition Coaching Points

1. As soon as the ball is lost, how quickly can one player apply pressure? What about your angle to the goal you are defending? How is your recovery run?

2. When playing 2v2, how quickly is the 2nd defender dropping behind the ball to provide cover

3. When playing 3v3, how quickly is the 3rd defender dropping in and providing balance

4. Is the entire team staying compact, or are they still stretched?

Variations:

1. Start with 1v1 and you can include goalkeepers or have field players all rotate in

2. Move the goal out a bit more, and play 2v2 (same rules); use goalkeepers if you wish

3. Move the goal out a bit more, and play 3v3 (same rules); use goalkeepers if you wish

4. Move the goal to half-field and play your final game