Football Training 4 – Switch the Play and Create More Space

Last Updated on: 16th October 2024, 12:24 pm

Football Training Session

 

4. Switch the Play and Create More Space

 

 

Object of the Session: Give your players the confidence to switch the play from one side of the pitch to the other with accuracy and intensity, progressing the practice into a drill and then a game situation.

Equipment: Cones, footballs.

Set-Up:

• Divide the players into teams of 3.
• Place 1 cone on each side of the pitch.
• Players 1 and 2 stand facing each other at the full width of the pitch. Player 3 stands in the middle.

Instructions:

1. Player 1 passes accurately to Player 3.
2. They lay it off for player 1 with their first touch and then move to the first cone.
3. Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2 and follows their pass.
4. Player 2 controls the ball and plays a long-range pass across the pitch to Player 3.
5. They then move into the middle position and the drill is repeated.

Coaching Points:

• Focus on accurate long-range passing.
• Emphasize quick, controlled movements and maintaining intensity as players switch the play.

 

Developing the Drill

 

 

Set-Up:

• Divide players into teams of 5. Set one cone on each side of the pitch with a third cone set a few meters away (see diagram).
• Set two cones as a goal with one player acting as keeper.
• Player 1 starts with the ball on one side of the pitch.
• Player 2 stands on the opposite side with Player 3 positioned along the sideline.
• A new player waits behind player 1.

Instructions:

1. Player 1 plays a long pass to Player 2.
2. They then make a 10-meter pass to Player 3 and move behind them.
3. Player 3 passes the ball into space for Player 2 to run into, allowing them to deliver a cross.
4. Player 1 moves into the box to meet the cross and attempt to score.
5. Get Player 3 to move into Player 2’s previous position. Player 1 moves to where Player 3 started.
6. Player 4 moves forward and Player 2 can stand behind them.
7. Repeat the drill.

Coaching Points:

• Ensure long balls are accurate, and timing between passes is sharp.
• Work on crossing into the box and quick transitions between players.

 

Progressing to a Realistic Game Situation

 

 

Set-Up:

1. Divide players into groups of 8. You should have 4 attackers and 4 defenders
2. Keep the set-up the same as the previous drill but position your defenders to block passes.

Instructions:

1. Player 8 starts between Players 1 and 2 to block passes to Player 3.
2. Player 7 marks Player 3, trying to prevent them from passing to Player 2 in space.
3. Finally, Player 6 plays as a central defender, aiming to stop Player 1 from scoring.
4. The sequence continues with the fourth player restarting the drill.

Coaching Points:

• Add defensive pressure to mimic game situations.
• Encourage players to find space and make quick decisions under pressure.

Game Situation: If possible, finish with a normal game on a full-size pitch. Encourage players to switch the play between wings when the opportunity arises, focusing on timing and accuracy in their passes.

 

Pendle Verdict

The first drill focuses more on accuracy not intensity, so don’t let players overexert themselves. The emphasis should be on perfecting the switch of play.

Be sure to check out our previous training session posts:

1. Finding space to receive the ball
2. Creating space with your first touch
3. Passing with accuracy and intensity

Don’t forget to pick up plenty of training footballs and training equipment to kickstart your training sessions. Pick up plenty of cones, markers and bibs to help your sessions run smoothly.

 

Tags: football coaching, Football training, football training drills, training drills, training session, training sessions