Transition #2

Set Up:

Three players are set up inside of the grid, starting at the cones. During the drill, Players 1 and 2 serve balls to Player 3 as quickly as possible. Player 3 controls each ball and makes return passes to them. The pattern of play varies throughout the drill (see Progressions), and the players rotate to new starting positions every 30-60 seconds.

Coaching Points:

1.  The receiver should make eye contact with the passer and call for every pass.

2.  The non-kicking foot should be pointed right at the target.

3.  Get into the path of the ball as quickly as possible and get your feet set.

Progressions:

1.  One or two touch return pass.

2.  Player 3 receives between the cones from across the triangle.

Set Up:

The two teams play 5v3 on the small field with eight supporting players on the outside. The support players are limited to one touch, but they are allowed to shoot from the outside. When the defenders win the ball, they must make at least one pass to an outside player before shooting.  Games are played to two goals with a time limit of five minutes, and the eight players in the 5v3 switch out after each game.

Coaching Points:

1.  Expanding the space – Attackers should use the entire width and depth of the field.

2.  Speed of play – Play in a one and two touch rhythm and force the defenders to chase the ball.

3.  Decision making -  Look for passing options BEFORE you receive. Anticipate play.

Progressions/Regressions:

Progression 1 – The five attackers must make five passes before shooting on goal.

Progression 2 – The defending team must play the ball out to a support player before shooting.

Set Up:  

There are sixteen players set up on a large field, playing 8v6 with two goalkeepers. During play, the attacking team can score in either of the big goals. If the defenders win the ball, they attack the two small goals set up on the opposite end line. When a goal is scored or the ball is put out of play, the ball is played back in by the team in possession. 

Coaching Points:

1.   Always pressure the ball.

2.   Cover the most dangerous players first.             

3.   GKs must move the entire defense together as a group. 

Progressions: 

1.   Allow the GKs to defend both goals.

Set Up:

Two teams play on a field a bit smaller than a full field - penalty area width and one end line moved up to the edge of one penalty area. The length of the game is 30-40 minutes and play is continuous, meaning no stoppages by the coaching staff to instruct. If the coach desires, he can use two minutes at the halfway point to water break and to give very brief instructions, something pertaining to the coaching topic for the practice.

The two teams should not let the other team know what formation that they are playing, and they should try to run a formation that is different from that of the other team. Once the game has started, it is up to the players to sort out the other teams' attacking and defending shapes.

Coaching Points:

NONE!

Progressions:

1.  Extend the width of the field out to the sidelines. Allow teams to make changes in positions and/or formations during that short break. 

2.  The coach can move players or groups of players to create the desired match ups. For example, starting back line versus starting strikers.