Wales Possession Transfer

Instructions/Setup:

In this practice, there are three teams of 4 players, plus 2 bounce players positioned on either side of the two grids. The team in possession will have a 5v2 overload and must complete 5 passes before attempting to switch play.

Once they complete the 5 passes and successfully switch play, two new defenders positioned at the poles must sprint into the new zone and work to win possession of the ball. The emphasis is on quick ball circulation, awareness, and transitioning between zones under pressure.

Coaching Notes:

• Ball Circulation: Ensure that players are focused on quick, accurate passing to maintain possession under pressure. Encourage them to move into space to receive the ball and create passing options.

• Timing of the Switch: Players must be patient and wait for the right moment to switch play. Emphasize timing the switch when the defense is stretched, making it harder for defenders to press effectively.

• Defensive Awareness: Defenders sprinting into the new zone must immediately engage and anticipate the attacking team's next move. They should close down space and limit passing lanes to win the ball back quickly.

• Quick Transition: Once the switch is made, the attacking team must quickly adapt and shift their focus to the new zone. The defending players must be agile and ready to press immediately.

Progression 1: Increase Passing Requirement:

Increase the number of passes to 7 before the team is allowed to switch play. This progression forces players to be more patient and maintain possession for a longer period before switching.

Focus: The emphasis is on retaining possession for longer periods while ensuring that players remain composed under pressure and execute accurate passes.

Progression 2: Add Conditional Passing:

Introduce a rule where one player must always receive the ball with a one-touch pass. This progression encourages players to improve their first-touch control, speed up the game, and adapt to quicker decision-making under pressure.

Focus: Improving passing speed and decision-making under pressure, while developing technical skills for controlling and distributing the ball quickly.