37-P9 · Functional practice · U15 up to adult

Quick Transitions to Defend

Quick Transitions to Defend is a functional practice for U15 up to adult teams (11 players, 50 × 50 yards) that works on movement, defending and short passing.

This functional practice takes place in a full half of a pitch and focuses on developing quick defensive transitions.

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Quick Transitions to Defend: still from the Touchtight coaching video 1:52
Age group
U15 up to adult
Players
11 players
Area
50 × 50 yards (1/2 Pitch)
Time
30–40 minutes
Goalkeeper
Yes
Coaches
1
Practice type
Functional practice
Coach level
Advanced (B Licence)

How it's set up

This functional practice takes place in a full half of a pitch and focuses on developing quick defensive transitions. We setup by creating a central zone where we have 4 defenders and 3 attackers, with two speed circuits set up on either side with one winger on each. Our GK triggers play by throwing/kicking the ball to one of the defenders. The 4 defenders (Red) objective is to make 6 passes before passing to the target player, earning the team a goal. The 3 attackers (Gold) must press looking to win possession. While this is taking place, the two wingers will sprint between each cone until possession is won. If the attacking team win the ball, they must play out to one of the wingers to deliver in the box ( 4 v 4 in the box). Once a goal is scored or the defenders play out to the target player, play is restarted with the GK.

Setup diagram for Quick Transitions to Defend: pitch area, player positions and movements
Setup diagram · tap to enlarge

Key coaching points

  1. Quick reactions to transition to defend after possession is lost
  2. Scan to see attackers positions before cross is delivered
  3. Get goal side to defend the goal

Also in the full practice

  • 1 progression to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
  • 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
  • The coach-led video (1:52) how to set it up and deliver itIn Club
  • Add it to your team's Dugout drop it into a session plan with your warm-up and gameIn Club

Run it with your team.

Watch 37-P9 in full, then add it to your next session. It's one of over 1,000 practices in the Touchtight Club library.

Watch the full video ↗