Week 74 Switching Play & Fitness Rondos

Instructions/Setup:

Two grids are set up on opposite sides of the pitch. Teams play 4v4 with one neutral player (making it 5v4 in favor of the team in possession). The team in possession aims to complete 5 consecutive passes before switching the ball quickly to the opposite grid. Upon the switch, the defending team must sprint across the pitch to close down and defend the new ball location. If the defending team wins possession and switches play back, the original attacking team immediately transitions to defend and must sprint across to close down.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick Decision Making – Players must recognize the right moment to switch play quickly to exploit space and unbalance defenders, improving anticipation and awareness.

• Transition Speed – Emphasize rapid attacking to defending transition with high-intensity sprinting across the pitch to simulate real-game counter-press scenarios.

• Communication – Encourage vocal coordination to organize defensive shifts, alert teammates to switches, and maintain defensive shape effectively.

• Positional Awareness – Teach players to maintain compactness in defense and create effective passing triangles when in possession for better ball retention.

Progression 1: Limit Touches

Restrict players to a maximum of two touches before passing, increasing pressure to think and act faster during possession and transition.

Focus:

Improves speed of play, control under pressure, and faster decision-making in tight spaces under real-game conditions.

Progression 2: Add a Second Neutral Player

Increase to two neutral players supporting the team in possession, encouraging more complex passing patterns and quicker ball circulation.

Focus:

Enhances passing options, off-the-ball movement, and teamwork under dynamic and physically demanding conditions.