39-P3 · Opposed practice · U12 up to adult

Switching Play: Opposed Possession

Switching Play: Opposed Possession is an opposed practice for U12 up to adult teams (15 players, 50 × 40 yards) that works on passing, penetration and switching play.

This Possession practice is focused on switching play to create space to transfer. With a focus on the 343, the switch creates space.

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Switching Play: Opposed Possession: still from the Touchtight coaching video 0:53
Age group
U12 up to adult
Players
15 players
Area
50 × 40 yards (1/2 Pitch)
Time
25–35 minutes
Goalkeeper
No
Coaches
1
Practice type
Opposed practice
Coach level
Intermediate (C Licence)

How it's set up

This Switching Play practice takes place in a 50 x 40 Yard area, with 5 players set up as a back 3 and midfield 2 aiming to switch play to break lines through gates positioned either side of the area whilst being pressed by 3 defenders. 2 additional defenders will attempt to team from passing through the central area. When the ball is transferred, the defending team must transition to press other group of 5 players who will also attempt to switch play. If the pressing team wins possession then they gain the ball, with the group losing possession then pressing to regain

Setup diagram for Switching Play: Opposed Possession: pitch area, player positions and movements
Setup diagram · tap to enlarge

Key coaching points

  1. Calm in possession move the ball quickly. Recognise and encourage switch of play, when there are spaces and gaps.
  2. Scanning and checking shoulders, finding space. Encourage players to play with head and eyes up?
  3. Pass detail, weight, type, communication.

Also in the full practice

  • 3 progressions to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
  • 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
  • The coach-led video (0:53) 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 39-P3 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 ↗