Coaches This week, we'd like to again review transition play and what we believe to be the
"engine" of modern soccer tactics. When thinking about transition play, one can say that
soccer is a game of constant change of possession. While one team is always defending to
win the ball back, the other wants to move the ball into scoring position and score.
Ask your players - How best to do this?
AS FAST AS POSSIBLE
Speed is of the essence. This requires mental and physical speed. Mentally, your players
need to react extremely quickly to a change of possession, perceive the position and
movement of opponents and anticipate possible plays so they can prevent them. This
requires co-ordination of positional responsibilities and communication. Physically, players
need to be able to get to their destinations as fast as possible. Your team will find success
if you train them to be faster (physically and mentally) in both transitions. Teams win
games by making quick and effective transitions between offense and defense and by
taking advantage of their opponent’s slow transitions
At the 2009, NSCAA Convention, Jeff Tipping reviewed the four moments of soccer
discussed and covered in last week’s session.
1.
2.
3.
4.
When
When
When
When
our team has possession
the other team has possession
we have just lost possession (or are about to lose possession)
we have just won possession (or are about to win possession)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tuJrxWTmFo&feature=related
Dynamic and 4v4 Small Sided Matches
In the small sided games, the following variation will encourage quick transition from
offense to defense and defense to offense.
 Once a team scores, all players from that team must turn and touch their endline
before getting back into the run of play. Offensive team must counter attack
quickly and look for the quick scoring opportunity. The defensive team must
recover, apply pressure to ball, and get into good defensive shape quickly.
ENCOURAGE TEAM SHAPE AND COMPOSRE for both teams.
3 v 3 + Supporting Players Transition Game
In a 25 x 25-yard area, divide players into two even
teams. Eight players situate themselves around the
perimeter, while inside players play 3 v 3 ‘keep away’
inside. If an inside player plays to an outside player,
they switch positions. Inside player becomes an
outside supporting player and the outside player
transitions to an inside player. Seven consecutive
passes = goal.
This exercise forces all the players to stay alert and involved in the game. Coaches should
encourage quick ball movement, movement and support off the ball, balance of team
shape, transition play. Challenge players to communicate and to get organized and
composed in this fast paced transition game.
6v6 Quick Transition
Two teams square off in a limited area.
The objective is to keep the ball from the
other team and score by passing the ball
to the goalkeeper’s hands. Team then
attempts to possess and play to opposite
target (GK).
Give restrictions on how many touches
and passes before the ball can be passed
to the goalkeeper.
Coaches need to focus on movement of the ball, movement into space with and without
the ball, accuracy in passing and receiving, and quick transition.
If you’d like to see the same game online, go to the following link:
http://www.insidesoccer.com/page/3b015820-68d5-4efa-813b-23fa77e4064d/end-zonegame.html
These transition games help the players develop passing, support play, and receiving
skills. Players must play with good awareness and make good decisions on and off the
ball.
Possession and Transitional Play
Use the entire Futsal field. Split the team in
half. Goalkeeper in each goal. (Ideal if you can
use the bigger goals OR put two Futsal goals
together).
- Blue team plays possession. Seven passes
equals a goal. Possession team may use GK’s as
supporting players.
- Yellow team plays to either goal.
Play 3 minute games.
Once teams get into a good rhythm, coach may add the following variation:
- When possession team connects seven consecutive passes, team transitions to
‘attacking to goal’ team.
Players are challenged to execute at highest speed possible while keeping
control and possession of the ball. Anticipation, reaction and decision making
speeds are developed.