Mark Jules
Switching Play
technique
The Session
Area – half a football pitch with goals
across the field (see diagram).
Both goalkeepers start the practice
simultaneously by distributing the ball
to player 1 in the central zone.
Player 1 moves away from the cone to
receive before passing the ball on to
player 2.
Player 2 makes a similar movement,
away from the cone, before passing
the ball on to player 3 who moves
away sharply to receive.
After delivering the ball player 2
continues with a forward run, allowing
player 3 the opportunity of a return
pass providing a chance of a strike at
goal.
Players rotate roles in sequence.
Progression:
Player 1 misses out player 2 and
switches the ball to player 3. Player 2
still makes a forward run to receive the
the ball from player 3 to finish on goal.
Key Points:

Players should practice at
various ways of receiving the
ball, while coaches should insist
on a good first touch.
Consideration should also be
given to the various types of
pass.
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Mark Jules
Switching Play
skill
The Session
The practice starts with one of the
goalkeepers distributing the ball to
either of the 2 target players who are
on the edge of the touchline in their
own half of the field.
The Red players in the central zone
must work hard to make space for
themselves while under pressure from
the defending blues, - as they prepare
to receive the ball off the wide target
players.
Once in possession of the ball, the red
players must look to switch play,
moving the ball quickly to the opposite
target player.
This can be either quick play between
themselves before the switch, or one
direct ball out to the target player.
To progress the exercise, one of the
red team can enter the attacking third
to receive the ball from the wide target
player.
Coaches can then decide when a
member of the blue team can track
back to try and prevent the red player
from scoring.
Progression:
Players can be allowed to drop into
the defending zone to receive the ball
off the goalkeeper, who can also
distribute the ball to the target player.
Key Points:

Similar to the technique practice
with particular emphasis now on
awareness and decision making.
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Mark Jules
Switching Play
game
The Session
On a similar area to the earlier
practices, this game situation involves
4 v 4 in the central area, a goalkeeper
in either goal, with 2 target (neutral)
players outside the flanks who act as
support to the team in possession of
the ball.
Normal football rules apply.
Incentives:
Players try to score, but goals count
double if they come after a switch of
play.
Coaches should encourage players to
switch play when possible and should
consider the individual in possession
and the movement of the other players
in the team.
Similar key points to the skill and
technique exercises but now more
thought should be given to the team’s
positional, support play, and
movement when in possession.
Key Points:

Similar key points to the skill and
technique exercises but now
more thought should be given to
the team’s positional, support
play, and movement when in
possession.
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