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LOGINLong pass to switch play
A ‘piggy in the middle’-style game in which players learn when to go direct to team-mates while under pressure.
WHY USE IT
Improves players’ knowledge of when to play a long ball and gives them an opportunity to practice doing so under pressure.
SET UP
Set up an area relevant to the size of your group, split into two end zones and a smaller middle zone. We have used 15 players in this example, but numbers can be adjusted.
HOW TO PLAY
Split your players into three teams of five. Two teams start in the end zones, with the other in the middle zone.
One of the end-zone teams needs to complete at least five passes before trying to switch the ball over to the other end zone, which earns them a point.
The team in the middle is allowed to send two players into the end zones to win the ball. The three remaining players remain in the middle zone to try to intercept any long balls. If possession is lost, the team losing the ball moves into the middle zone to become the defending team.
COACHING POINTS
- How can you make sure your first touch and short passing gives you the best chance of keeping possession in your zone?
- How can you identify an opportunity to play a long ball?
- What are the best techniques for playing over or through?
Whites start in possession.
Reds send two players into the end zone to try to win the ball.
Related Files
Once five passes are made, a long ball may be played into the other end zone.
Reds can send two other players into the end zone to win the ball.
If the red team wins the ball, they swap positions with the team that lost possession.
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