Switch play - Atalanta B.C.
Goal
Equipment
- Markers
- 4 vests
- 4 mini-goals
- Balls
Preparation
- Playing Area: 45x40 meters / 49x44 yds
- Players: 8
- Duration: 21 minutes
- Series: 3 of 5 minutes each with 2 minutes of recovery between sets
| Summary | Secondary Objectives |
|---|---|
|
Exercise that develops situations for the switch of play |
Losing your marker, Pass, Long pass, Finishing, Marking, Intercepting, Creating width and depth, Improvisation, Reading trajectories, Transitions |
Organization
Use the markers provided to mark out a playing area measuring 45x40 meters/49x44 yards. Divide the field into three vertical strips (two side areas measuring 20x40 meters/22x44 yards and a central area measuring 5x40 meters/5x44 yards). Place a mini goal in the center of each short side of the side areas (as shown in the picture). The width of the mini goals should be approximately 2 meters/yards. Divide the players into two teams of four (4 reds against 4 black-blues in the picture). The players are positioned freely within the two side areas. The coach decides who to give the ball to in order to start the exercise.
Description
- A 4 v 4 game is played
- Each team defends and attacks two mini goals
Rules
- Players can move in all areas (side areas and central area), but cannot play or receive the ball within the central area
- The central area is the transition zone between one side area and the other.
- Players can all be in the same side area at the same time and look to switch play when they believe there is an opportunity to score in the opposite goal
- If the ball enters or is controlled by a player within the central zone, the ball passes directly to the opposing team
- A goal in either goal is worth 1 point
- If a player recovers the ball within a field and manages to pass the ball to a teammate who is within the opposite side field and the latter finishes the action by scoring, the goal is worth 3 points (example in the picture)
- There is no limit on the number of touches
- At the end of the series, the team with the most points wins
Variations
- Play 6 v 6
- Play 8 v 8
- Add a joker who stays only in the central area
- Limit the number of touches (e.g., a maximum of three touches)
Coaching Points
- Encourage players to move around the court to facilitate switch of play (main objective of the exercise)
- Encourage players to keep moving to open up passing lanes
- When not in possession, close down all passing lanes
- Verbal communication between teammates must continue throughout the exercise, especially for defensive organization purposes
- Make accurate passes to facilitate teammates
