IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
STEVENAGE
Jimmy Gilligan
Overview:
This session looks at switching play and the direction of attack. Starting with a basic passing exercise we progress it into to a challenging multi-directional possession game.
As youth-team coach, this works well with our lads. But at any level, it’s important to be able to switch the direction of attack so that the team can expose the opposition in areas where they are not set up to defend, or are ‘out of balance’.
We run this session across all age groups. The principles involved paid off in this season’s FA Youth Cup second qualifying round match against Dagenham & Redbridge. After sucking in the opposition, we switched play to the opposite wing, found space, and scored.
We allocate 20 minutes for the warm-up and 25 minutes for the game that follows.
“Displaying quick, positive decision- making in receiving and switching is crucial.”
Switching forward focus
SWITCHINGFORWARDFOCUS
SET-UP AREA
20x20 yards EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS 16
What do I get the players to do?
We begin with 16 players - 8v8 - and the ball in hand at all times. There are four balls per team. Each player throws to - and receives passes from - members of their team, whilst moving around.
Next, the task is to throw and catch involving only opposition players. Progressing further, we add eight gates randomly scattered around the playing area. Each gate is five yards wide. The ball is still in players’ hands, and now they can pass to any player, but must run through a gate before releasing.
We’re now at a point where the players have established a theme and a multi- directional approach, so we re-run the three phases with the ball at their feet.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
Each player must move the ball quickly and open up his body in order to switch the direction of play efficiently and effectively. He must stay alert, always attempting to predict where the ball will go. Displaying quick,
22 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
With the ball in hand, passes are made to a team mate
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Now balls are played only to members of the other team
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Players can now pass to any other player but must move through a gate first.
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