Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Developing Transition Play

Transition Game (30 mins)

Developing and Training Transition

Rules and Set-up:

Set Up -

4 small goals, 10v10 in a 50x30 (elite level) or 50x40.

Note that the flags are offset by 10 yards from the corner of the field.

Put the players in a system, 4-4-2, 4-3-3 etc.

Goals are worth one point and must be one touch finish, however, if the team numbers down can win possession and score then they get 2 points for a counter goal (does not need to be one-touch finish)

Rules

1) Coach gives each player a number 2-11 (preferably a numbered system that is based on positioning. i.e. #2 is the right back, #3 is the left back, #7 is the wide right player etc)

2) Start with free play but note that a goal can only be scored via a one touch finish

3) The coach shouts out a colour and a number, for example, BLUE #7, 8, 9 (as shown above).

4) When the players hear the coaches instruction, the players in yellow and who are numbers 7,8,9 must sprint toward any one of the two flags placed behind their opponents goal. They must touch the flag and recover back into the game.

5) At this point the WHITE team are numbers up (10v7) and are encouraged to attack the Blues quickly

Coaching Points/Key Factors -

1) Numbers up in possession against unbalanced opponent - look to get to goal quickly creating overloads. Move the ball quickly and try to attack any holes that the opponent has not filled defensively.

2) Numbers up without possession - Press immediately and win the ball back, then counter press and attack at speed

3) Numbers down without possession - Get balanced and numbers behind the ball quickly. Fill in for each other in the most vulnerable areas.

4) Numbers down with possession - Look to keep it when possible but if pressured severely then play forward to eliminate risk. Try to hold the ball up front to delay until team mates are back.