Practice: Transition at speed

WHY USE IT

This is a competitive and fun practice, which encourages switching the point of attack, communication, and working as a unit in both defending and transitioning to attack.

SET UP

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Set out a square in each corner. Divide players into two teams, ideally 6v6, with 4v4 in the middle and two from each team in diagonally opposite corners.

HOW TO PLAY

Teams play 4v4+2, aiming to keep possession and then score by successfully completing a pass to a player in the corner. If the pass is successful, the passing player switches places with the receiving player without play stopping. If the other team wins possession, they look to transition quickly and play to their corner players. The first team to successfully complete five passes wins the game. Variations include one and two-touch passing, volleys into the corners, or adding a neutral player who cannot score but plays with the team in possession.

COACHING POINTS

• Quick transitioning between attacking and defending. 
• Finding shape quickly when in possession.
• First, second and third player defending, communication and switching the point of attack.