Practice 1: Switch point of attack

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on maintaining possession and attracting the opponent to the ball before switching the point of attack. If done quickly, teams can bypass or break lines of pressure and penetrate on the weak side.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Create the layout above, with six cones – two wide, two central, two wide. The wide cones should be in line with a pole. The four poles in the central part of the space form a diamond.

We have used 10 players; a minimum of 7 are required. Two passing patterns happen in one area (see white and black lines).

HOW TO play

This is a functional passing pattern to switch the point of attack through the central players, acting as a number 6 and number 8. 

Each pattern starts from the two left-hand corners, with players dribbling from a cone at slightly staggered intervals.

The wide player then plays to the deep player – acting as a centre-back – who plays to the wide full-back. They find the central 6, who receives on their back foot and plays to the opposite full-back. The players all follow their passes.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• The second rotation would add a bounce pass with the 6 centrally, before playing to the wide full-back.
• The third rotation would be to miss out the centre-back and find the full-back, who would pass to the centre-back and get it back again, before finding the 6.

COACHING POINTS

• Check away from cones to create space to receive.

   

• Receiving should be done on the half-turn, enabling the receiver to see both the passer and their next pass.

   

• Encourage a positive first touch to play forward.

   

• Create angles and passing lanes – good movement is particularly important in the central areas.