Practice 1: Offense to defense

WHY USE IT

This practice is designed to create a high frequency of transition moments and to reinforce a fast response and game recognition.

 

SET-UP

Set up an area with equal sides, relative to the age and ability of your players. Place one attacking player on the outside of each side of the area and two defenders inside the area.

Attacking players may move back a couple of feet during play but cannot enter the area, except for transition moments.

 

HOW TO DO IT

The four attacking players on the outside of the area aim to keep possession of the ball. The ball must be played through the area. If a defender wins the ball, this creates a transition moment.

 

The defender who wins possession tries to exit the area by dribbling through the side where the ball came from. If they exit, they join the attacking team. The attacker who lost possession immediately tries to stop the defender from exiting.

 

If they win the ball back and play it out to a teammate, they resume their position on the side of the area. If not, they become a defender.

 

PROGRESSIONS

Introduce touch restrictions on the attacking team. This may lead to more turnovers.

Allow both defenders to play in the transition moment. This trains the full team response and creates higher success rates for the transition to attack.

 

COACHING POINTS

Try to win the ball back immediately by closing the opponent on the ball with pressure and controlled footwork. Get the opponent’s head down and/or the ball moving away from your goal/end line.