21. Switching Play
How the Drill Works:
Three offensive players on each side of the playing field attempt to pass the ball through the middle of the playing area while two defenders move to prevent the ball from passing through.
Purpose:
Develops ball movement and speed of play. Players are forced to move the ball quickly and find the right moment to pass the ball through the middle defenders. Player’s ability to defend and cut out passing lanes are also developed.
Diagram:
Setup:
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- Set up two parallel cone lines 20 yards long and eight yards apart.
- At least eight players are needed for this drill. Two players start as defenders in between the two cone lines while the other six players divide into two groups of three players and position themselves on the outside of each cone line. See diagram for more information.
- Gather all the soccer balls on the one side of the field.
- One group of three starts with a soccer ball.
- Complete at least three, three-minute rounds. Add more rounds and time as needed.
Instructions:
- The offensive group of three starts the activity by passing the ball side-to-side and attempting to pass through the middle zone.
- The two defenders move and try to intercept the passes that the offense try to pass through the middle zone. Defenders can not step across either cone line!
- If the defenders intercept the ball, the ball is given back to the offensive group and play continues.
- The offensive groups must stay behind their respective cone lines when passing. The defenders must stay in the middle zone while defending.
- For each successful pass through the middle zone, the offense is awarded one point. For each successful interception, the defenders are awarded one point. See which group wins at the end of each game!
- Complete at least three, three-minute rounds. Play more rounds if time allows.
Variations:
Different number of players – Instead of playing 6-on-2, set up a 8-on-3 game with one player less on defense than in each of the offensive areas, or make it more difficult and have an even number of players in each area (6-on-3, 8-on-4, etc.).
Competition –The defensive group that successfully allows the least number of passes through the middle is the winner.
One-touch – Players only have one-touch to pass between themselves and through the middle zone.
Coaching Points:
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- Vary the playing area size. Smaller areas increase the difficulty for the offense to pass the ball successfully through the middle zone.
- Encourage players to make low, sharp passes, on the ground, and to move the ball quickly. This will create openings for the attackers to pass the ball through.
- Teach the players to be patient when trying to find an opening to play through.
- Insist the players constantly move and provide passing options.
- Challenge the players to constantly look forward to find openings in the defense!
- Demand that the players waiting for the ball on the other side of the field are moving and creating good passing angles for the group in possession of the ball.
