Side-to-side switch

WHY USE IT

Improve the ability to identify when to exploit space by switching play, using a long ball, a series of short balls or a combination of both.

SET UP

Set up an area relevant to the size of your group, split into three zones of equal size. Mark out three gates along the two lines that create the centre zone – they should be a yard wide, and evenly spaced along the line.

We have used three teams of four, but numbers can be adjusted.

HOW TO PLAY

For the first few minutes, players, in their groups of four, should work out how many ways they can get the ball from one side of the area to the other: one long pass; three short passes; a short pass and a long pass, etc.

Then, split the middle team in two. One pair from the middle team should defend the three gates on one side, and the other should defend the gates on the other side.

The two outside teams must try and switch play quickly, in order to create a chance to get the ball through one of the gates. Rotate teams through the zones every few minutes.

COACHING POINTS

• When is the best moment to switch play? Can you be aware of the position of the defenders to identify it? How can you move defenders out of position to get the ball through a gate? What is the best way to switch play in each scenario?