Week 21

Outcomes

• ✓Players can identify when space exists on the far side of the field
• ✓Players can execute a long switching pass with appropriate weight and direction
• ✓Players can receive a switching pass and quickly attack the space
• ✓Players can build from deep to wide in a structured passing pattern

Equipment

• 12 size-4 balls
• 24 disc cones
• 4 small goals
• bibs

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Full-width grid (30 yards wide). Players spread across width.

   How to run it: Players pass freely but must prioritise wide passes — any time a player on the left half has the ball, they look first to pass to the right half, and vice versa. Count how many times play switches sides within 60 seconds.

   • ›Head up to see the wide player
   • ›Don't force the switch — wait for the moment

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Three lines across the width: left, centre, right (each 15 yards apart).

   How to run it: Centre player has the ball. Centre passes left, left player receives on half-turn, plays back to centre; centre switches to right; right receives, plays back to centre. Add movement: each player runs to the next line after passing.

   • ›Centre player always looking from side to side
   • ›Wide players must be ready — body open before the ball

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Full 30-yard width. Groups of 5: LW, CM, RW, two support players in a central box.

   How to run it: LW passes to CM. CM receives on half-turn and switches to RW with a driven pass. RW takes a directional first touch and attacks the far small goal. Support players provide recycling options if the switch is blocked. Alternate sides every 5 minutes.

   • ›Switch pass should be firm, low, and accurate to RW's feet
   • ›RW attacks the space immediately — don't stop
   • ›CM must turn and scan both sides before choosing to switch

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 5v3 on a wide 30×15 yd pitch. Defenders must stay in their half (split in two 15×15 sections).

   How to run it: Attackers must switch play at least once before scoring. Each switch earns the attacking team a bonus pass token. Score in the small goals at either end. If defenders intercept a switch pass, they attack 3v2 into the near goal.

   • ›Build pressure on one side, then switch
   • ›Wide receiver: call for the ball early and position wide
   • ›Switch pass needs pace — defenders should not be able to read and intercept

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 on 35×25 yd (wider than normal), two small goals.

   How to run it: Wider pitch rewards switching play. Coach awards 2 points for goals where the ball crossed from one side of the pitch to the other in the build-up. Teams encouraged to spread wide and use the full width.

   • ›Wide players: hug the touchlines — give a wide target
   • ›Switch play moves defenders, creates gaps
   • ›Attack the newly created space before defenders recover

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Shoulder, neck, and hip stretches. Coach uses a cone 'mini field' to illustrate how switching play shifts all defenders, opening a channel for the forward pass. Players identify the gap created.

   • ›Switch play = shift defenders = new space = goal opportunity
   • ›Wide players are crucial — they make the switch possible

Outcomes

• ✓Players can maintain width in possession by staying near the touchlines
• ✓Players can switch play to exploit defensive gaps
• ✓Players can combine width with forward runs to create 1v1 situations wide
• ✓Players can deliver a cross or cut-back after receiving wide

Equipment

• 10 size-4 balls
• 24 disc cones
• 4 small goals
• bibs

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Full-width grid.

   How to run it: Players dribble across the full width, always trying to stay in the widest 20% of the pitch. On 'switch!', they pass to the player on the opposite side and sprint to take their position. Rotate constantly.

   • ›Hug the line — don't drift centrally
   • ›Switch is quick — no hesitation

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Two wide channels, one ball each.

   How to run it: Wide players run with ball, cross to centre — centre player controls and plays back to wide. Switch sides. Progress: wide player crosses to a moving central player who finishes into a small goal. Full pace last 3 minutes.

   • ›Wide player's delivery is low and firm to the near post area
   • ›Central player times run to arrive as ball is crossed

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 4v2 on a wide 25×15 yd pitch. Three attackers plus one wide player vs. two defenders.

   How to run it: Attackers build through the middle, then release the wide player who receives and delivers a cross. Central players make runs into the box area. If the wide player receives and crosses in one touch, it counts as a bonus pass. Take turns in the wide role.

   • ›Wide player: receive moving, cross on the run
   • ›Central players: time the run to arrive with the cross, not before
   • ›Cross to the far post if near post is covered

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 on a wide pitch 32×18 yd with two wider zones (3 yards) at each flank.

   How to run it: Players in the wide zones cannot be tackled. A pass into the wide zone and a return pass earn 1 point. If the wide player delivers a cross that leads to a shot, 3 points. Encourage teams to use width before going direct.

   • ›Wide zone is a safe harbour — use it to release pressure
   • ›After the wide pass, central players make forward runs
   • ›Wide player: look up before receiving to see where the runners are

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 on 35×25 yd, small goals in corner positions (diagonally placed) to reward wide play.

   How to run it: Goals are scored by dribbling around a wide corner goal from outside — this rewards players who stay wide and attack. Normal central goals also count at 1 point; wide corner goals count 2 points.

   • ›Attack the wide corners — they're worth double
   • ›Defend wide — don't leave the wide channels open
   • ›Switch play constantly to move the defence

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Full body stretch sequence. Coach asks: 'Why does width make it harder to defend?' Players answer — because defenders can't be in two places at once. Celebrate the understanding.

   • ›Width creates length in defensive shape — gaps appear
   • ›Every team in the world uses width — now so do you