Week 42

Outcomes

• ✓Players can scan the pitch to identify when the ball-side is congested.
• ✓Players can play a long diagonal pass accurately to switch the attack.
• ✓Players can receive a switch pass on the move with an open body.
• ✓Players can recognise the cue — a congested side — that triggers a switch.

Equipment

• 16 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Full-width grid 40 yards wide, 15 yards deep. Pairs with one ball.

   How to run it: Player A passes across the full width to Player B and sprints to the opposite side. B controls, passes back across to A who has now arrived on the far side. Continuous long switching passes.

   • ›Long pass needs a firm strike — don't slow it down.
   • ›Receiver: open body before the ball arrives — one touch to control, second to play.
   • ›Passer: follow your pass by sprinting to the far side.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Half-pitch. Groups of five with one ball. Cones mark left, centre, and right zones.

   How to run it: Players pass in a sequence: left zone → centre → right zone → centre → left zone. Each pass must be played first-time if possible. After two minutes, reverse the direction.

   • ›Centre player is the pivot — must turn quickly to switch sides.
   • ›Passes across the pitch must have enough pace to reach the far side.
   • ›Receiver in the wide zone: check shoulder before receiving.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch width (45 yd), 20 yards deep. 5v3 keep-away. Three defenders stay on the ball side. Attackers must work the ball to the far flank to earn a point.

   How to run it: Attackers earn one point for every successful switch to the free wide player. Defenders may not chase across — they must hold position, simulating a team that has pressed one side. Rotate defenders every three minutes.

   • ›The switch is the answer when one side is blocked — read the picture early.
   • ›Play the switch early, before the defence can recover.
   • ›Wide receiver: show early and call for the ball.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 5v5 on a 45×30 yd pitch. Two small goals on each end line, placed wide apart. A goal may only be scored in the goal opposite to where the last ten yards of the attack began.

   How to run it: Teams must switch the direction of attack in the final phase to score. Normal possession rules. Coach confirms valid switches before goals count.

   • ›Carry or pass to one side to draw the defence, then switch.
   • ›The switch must be sharp — slow switches get cut out.
   • ›Defender opposite the ball: stay switched on, you might be the target.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 50×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. Coach awards a bonus point for any goal scored immediately after a switch of play (the switch and the shot in the same possession phase). Announced live.

   • ›Switch to create, then attack quickly before the defence resets.
   • ›Wide players: be ready to receive and go — no hesitation.
   • ›Keeper: stay central — switches can lead to wide shots.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players in a line on the touchline.

   How to run it: Hamstring and adductor stretches. Coach draws a quick diagram on the ground with a stick or cone to show the switch of play and asks: 'Why does the switch work?'

   • ›The defence has to travel further than the ball.
   • ›Switching play wins time and space — both are valuable.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can disguise their intent before playing a switch pass.
• ✓Players can time a switch to a wide player who has made a run behind the defence.
• ✓Players can defend against a switch by covering the weak side.
• ✓Players can chain a switch of play into a cross or shot quickly.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 10 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: 20×20 yd grid, groups of four, one ball per group.

   How to run it: 4v0 passing pattern: players pass in a triangle and then switch to the fourth player in the opposite corner. Ball must travel from one wide side to the other in each sequence. Ten complete switches, then swap the pattern.

   • ›Disguise: look one way, play the other.
   • ›Switch pass: firm and low, not floating.
   • ›Receiver: check inside before receiving to see if a defender has tracked.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Full width, half pitch. 5v2 with two defenders who must stay within 15 yards of the ball.

   How to run it: Five attackers pass and try to switch the ball past the two defenders to the far side. Defenders get a point for each interception. Attackers get a point for each successful switch to the far flank. Two-minute rounds.

   • ›Lure the defenders to one side before switching.
   • ›The switch player needs to be at least 25 yards from the ball.
   • ›Defenders: hold your shape — don't both chase the ball.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Half-pitch with a full goal. 5v4 (+keeper). Two designated wide forwards who must start each attacking phase on their respective flanks.

   How to run it: Attacking team must complete at least one switch of play before shooting. Defenders enforce this by crowding one side. Coach pauses play once to highlight a good switching moment.

   • ›Hold the ball and wait for the wide player to get into position before switching.
   • ›Wide player receiving the switch: first touch forward or across — never back.
   • ›Chain: switch → cross/cut-back → finish.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 plus two wide neutral players who always play for the team in possession on the flanks. 40×30 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Teams use the neutral wide players as switch targets. Goals only count if they came via the wide neutral player on the opposite side from where the last centre pass was played.

   • ›Use the neutral wide players to shift the defence.
   • ›After the switch, the neutral player has a free cross — deliver it quickly.
   • ›Defenders: one presses the neutral wide player, one covers.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 50×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match, all normal rules. At half-time, coach asks each team to nominate their 'best switch' from the first half and describe it. Second half continues with no extra rules.

   • ›Switch of play is a game-changer when the defence is compact.
   • ›Encourage wide players to demand the ball on switches.
   • ›Celebrate any well-executed switch even if it doesn't lead to a goal.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players seated in a circle.

   How to run it: Hip flexor and glute stretches. Coach asks: 'Name one moment today where switching the play created something. What happened next?' Two players respond.

   • ›Space created by a switch must be attacked immediately.
   • ›The switch is the beginning of the attack, not the end.