Mission transition

WHY USE IT

Transitions are vital in the game of soccer – here, players work 2v2 to defend and attack the goals.

SET UP

You need balls, bibs, cones, a normal goal and two target goals (or use cones). Set up an area of 15 x 8 yards, split into halves. We have used seven players, plus a server.

HOW TO PLAY

Split the players into three teams of two, plus a goalkeeper who is stationed in the big goal. One team defends the big goal, one defends the small goals and one plays on the left-hand side of the area, behind the cones. The server is stationed off the pitch. One of the pair behind the cones receives a pass from the server. They pass to their partner across the area and must try to score in the small goals without entering the area. The defending pair must prevent them scoring by closing them down and winning the ball. They can block passes and apply pressure. If they win the ball or put it out (getting a ball from the server if they need it), they attack the big goal in the other half of the area. If the defending team in that half of the area wins the ball, they attack the two small goals. Rotate the teams through the different roles.

COACHING POINTS

• Passing and support play, good movement and getting ‘open’ to the pass.