The following activities can be used to develop an understanding of quickly switching from defending to attacking in the attacking half of the pitch; these transitions in the game are crucial and can lead to scoring opportunities. Players must be coached to immediately ‘think transition’ on interceptions / gaining possession; it is not enough to simply regain possession and then maintain possession – the target is to score goals and these transition moments can provide opportunities to quickly create chances on goal.
Download / Copy Session:
1.
Setup:
Players are organised into 3 groups of 5-7 players and positioned in three 10×10 grids (A,B,C) as shown. Coaches (C) are positioned with a supply of balls.
Instructions:
Play begins in one of the 3 grids; (Ex) In grid (B) a 4v1 takes place – the Defender (Red) must attempt to intercept / touch the ball; if the Defender touches / intercepts the ball he then breaks out of the grid to receive a pass from either Coach – Player must attempt to score.
Alternate grids – (A,B,C) and rotate Defensive player each time.
Grids can be set up as 3v1 / 4v1 / 4v2 / 5v2 depending on numbers and ability of players.
Coaching Points:
- Emphasis is placed on the Defensive player ‘thinking’ transition to attack on any interception / gaining possession
- Gradually increase the rhythm / tempo – first phase only allow players to place the ball around the Goalkeeper
2.
Setup:
Players are organised into 3 groups of 5-7 players and positioned in three 10×10 grids (A,B,C) as shown. Coaches (C) are positioned with a supply of balls.
Instructions:
In the Diagram the Defender in grid (B) has intercepted the ball; this is the cue to ‘think transition’ and immediately break forward to score – the Coach (C) passes the ball into the players path for a 1 or 2-touch finish.
Grids can be set up as 3v1 / 4v1 / 4v2 / 5v2 depending on numbers and ability of players.
Coaching Points:
- Emphasis is placed on the Defensive player ‘thinking transition’ to attack on any interception / gaining possession
- Gradually increase the rhythm / tempo – first phase only allow players to place the ball around the Goalkeeper
3.
Setup:
Players are organised into 3 groups of 5-7 players and positioned in three 10×10 grids (A,B,C) as shown. Defensive player(s) positioned as shown (Yellow – D). Coaches (C) are positioned with a supply of balls.
Instructions:
Progression: Play begins in any of the Grids (A,B,C) – if the Defender touches / intercepts the ball this is the cue to transition forward and for the Coach to pass to a second player breaking out of the grid – this creates a 2v1 against the Yellow Defender. Players must attempt to score as quickly as possible.
Grids can be set up as 4v1 / 4v2 / 5v2 depending on numbers and ability of players.
Rotate Defenders (Yellow), Alternate grids as the starting point.
Coaching Points:
- Emphasis is placed on the Defensive players ‘thinking transition’ to attack on any interception / gaining possession
- Break forward at speed to affect the positioning of the Defender – be ‘direct’!
- Timing / angle of supporting player to provide passing option
4.
Setup:
Players are organised into 3 groups of 5-7 players and positioned in three 10×10 grids (A,B,C) as shown. Defensive player(s) positioned as shown (Yellow – D). One Striker (ST) positioned centrally. Coaches (C) are positioned with a supply of balls.
Instructions:
Progression: Play begins in any of the Grids (A,B,C) – if the Defender touches / intercepts the ball this is the cue to transition forward and for the Coach to pass to the STRIKER; 3 players must immediately break out of the grids – this creates a 4v2 against the Yellow Defender. Players must attempt to score as quickly as possible.
Grids can be set up as 4v1 / 4v2 / 5v2 depending on numbers and ability of players.
Rotate Defenders (Yellow) and Striker: Alternate grids as the starting point.
Coaching Points:
- Emphasis is placed on the Defensive players ‘thinking transition’ to attack on any interception / gaining possession
- Break forward at speed to affect the positioning of the Defenders – be ‘direct’!
- Timing / angle of supporting players to provide passing option
- Quality of finishing from various angles