Practice: Turn on the switch

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Use this three-part session to create gaps in the defence by switching play and then making the killer pass.

WHY USE IT

This three-part session develops players’ awareness and ability to switch the play in the creative phase, with the aim of creating gaps in the opposition’s defence to play a killer central pass, creating goalscoring opportunities.

SET UP

Set up a wide and short area. Place a mini goal at one end. Divide the area into five channels – two wide, two half-spaces and one central. Teams play 6v4 in favour of the team attacking the goal.

HOW TO PLAY

The attacking team must occupy all five channels when in possession, aiming to switch the play from one wide channel to the other. If they manage this before scoring, the goal counts double. If the defending team wins possession, they can score by passing to the coach or dribbling over the end line. The challenge can be increased for the attacking team by playing 5v5.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage the attacking team to create width and depth as soon as they are in possession, with quick movement of the ball. One attacking player should always be underneath the ball to enable a switch. Remain patient in possession and pick the right time to split the defence.

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Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."