Coaching tools › Activities › Possession and passing
Free activity · 100 Possession ActivitiesSwitch in the Phase
Seven attackers in a 2-3-2 against six defenders in a 4-2, on a 40x30 with a goal and keeper. A goal counts double if the attack switched sides after crossing halfway. The switch, in a real shape, with a real finish.
Setup
A 40x30 with a goal and keeper. Seven attackers in a 2-3-2 against six defenders in a 4-2.
How it works
- Attackers score in the goal. Defenders counter to two mini goals on the halfway line.
- A goal counts double if the attack switched sides after crossing halfway.
- Ten attacks.
Scoring
Most goals wins; doubles decide ties.
- Attack one side to shift them, then switch quickly.
- Far-side player: stay wide and stay patient. The switch is coming.
- After the switch, go at once: the space closes fast.
Make it easier or harder
- Progression 1: The switch must come from a back or the center mid.
- Progression 2: Add a seventh defender: even numbers.
Coach’s notes
- If It Stalls: Attackers going straight at goal every time? A goal without a switch counts zero for two minutes.
Why it works
Rondos teach the idea. This is where it meets a real shape. The far-side player has the hardest job: staying wide and doing nothing for a while, then being ready the moment the ball comes.
The third coaching point decides whether the switch was worth it. If the team slows down after it, the defense has time to slide back.
Where it sits
This is activity 45 of 100 in 100 Possession Activities (Theme 5 · Switching the Play). The book is ten themes of ten rungs each, from a 3v1 square to a full 9v9 transition game, and every activity has its setup, rules, scoring, two progressions, three coaching points and an animated video like the one above.
All switching the play drills ›
More like this
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingSwitch Through the MiddleTwo attackers on each side line of a 20x14, two in the middle, three defenders.
Open the activity ›
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingSwitch and ScoreTwo goals to attack, and a goal after a switch counts double.
Open the activity ›
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingWide TargetsScore by finding one wide target, then the other.
Open the activity ›All ten rungs of this theme, and nine more themes
100 Possession Activities is a 115-page PDF with 100 animated MP4 videos: rondos, playing out from the back, through the lines, support, switching, overloads, movement, timing, counter-pressing and counter-attacks. Print the page, watch the clip, run the session.