13) Switching play (Bartlett) - FIFA Training Centre

Switching play represents one of the most effective methods to open up a compact defence and create spaces that an attacking team can penetrate. To switch play successfully many factors need to be considered, such as the system being deployed, the team’s approach and build-up play, the type of pass required, as well as the available space.

As a first step, stretching the pitch offers the attacking team a strong platform on which to successfully switch the play. If a team’s system involves wingers, they may look to play longer diagonal passes, whereas a side that operates with wing-backs may prefer to play through the central areas, at least initially. Players should consider whether or not the switch is on and may instead look to retain possession or offer more than one option to move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other.

In this session, Fulham FC's Head of Academy Coaching, Ben Bartlett, delivers a number of exercises that focus on switching play in different systems and involve participants alternating between a large pitch and a small pitch. Bartlett applies an implicit learning approach in which rule changes and incentives play an important role as he subtly guides players on a step-by-step journey to offer them an understanding of the key points of switching play.

Ben Bartlett on his journey as a coach and his general coaching approach.

Part 1: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play

Part 2: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

Part 3: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers timing the switch

Part 4: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

Part 5: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play and possession

Part 6: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

Part 7: 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play and counter-pressing

Session debrief

Session design

Throughout this session, the exercises alternate from a large pitch (9v8) to a small pitch (2x 5v5), with the same principles applying in both instances.

The session is derived from a real-game scenario and the formations on the large pitch need to offer a realistic representation of the systems a team adopts in 11v11 matches (4-3-3 and 3-5-2). The large pitch allows players to apply certain principles when switching play, such as using anchor points and a range of passes, whereas the purpose of the small-pitch drill is to give players the opportunity to use the same principles of switching play they have practiced before on the large pitch but in tighter spaces, where their individual technical ability plays a more prominent role.

As the players progress through the drills, it is important that new tactical concepts be introduced in each exercise. The first step involves equipping the players with the knowledge to know how and why to switch play, before working on controlling possession and the game and then finally developing the skills to apply an effective counter-press. Allow some time after each game to reflect on the aspects that were successful and areas for improvement.

Organisation

Throughout this session, the exercises alternate from a large pitch to a small pitch, with the same principles applying in both instances. The teams contest a 9v8 game (plus goalkeepers) on the large pitch and a 5v5/ 5v4 with mini goals on the small pitch.

Part 1: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play

The blue team set up in a 3-3-3 formation that represents a standard 4-3-3 set-up. The orange team set up in a 3-3-2 formation that represents a standard 3-5-2 set-up. A team is awarded 1 point for scoring a goal that does not involve a switch of play and 2 points for scoring a goal that involves a switch of play across the vertical line.

Part 2: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

The objective in the small-sided game is to score a goal that involves a switch of play across the midline. Players can only score with a first-time finish. A team is awarded 1 point if the goal involves a first-time finish and 2 points if the play is switched across the midline.

Part 3: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers timing the switch

In part 3 the players return to the large pitch. The rules are carried over from part 2. Players can only score with a first-time finish. 2 points are awarded for scoring a goal that involves a switch of play in the build-up.

Part 4: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

The rules for the exercise on the small pitch do not change during the course of the training session, so this is a repeat of Part 2. Players should call on their individual technical ability to create opportunities to switch play across the midline.

Part 5: Large pitch - 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play and possession

The players return to the large pitch. As an additional rule, a team is awarded 3 points for scoring a goal that involves a sequence of 8 or more passes in the build-up. This aims to give players a range of choices when building an attack.

Part 6: Small pitch - 5v5 switching play

This exercise is in continuation of Part 2 and Part 4, and provides scenarios for the players to switch play in tighter areas whilst using their technical abilities to do so. Close control, precise passing and high intensity levels are key elements in creating opportunities to switch play.

Part 7: 9v8 plus goalkeepers switching play and counter-pressing

This final game adds another rule and encourages players to retain possession and continue to attack when in the opposition’s half. If a team loses the ball during a passing sequence, but regains possession before the opposition manages to progress beyond the halfway line, they may resume the passing sequence.

Key coaching points

Use two different systems that feature various player roles so as to offer players an understanding about how and when to switch play, based on the system in which they are operating.
Quick switches of play can allow a team to exploit a defence’s weak area, or in other words, the part of the defence with the fewest defenders.
Encourage players to switch play quickly using a range of passes, such as long diagonal passes or short incisive passes into central players, who act as an anchor point.
Before switching play to the other side, think about how the team can stretch the pitch and create the space to make the switch.
Vary the approach taken to switching play and, based on the situation, make a decision about whether it is better to initially build up possession or look to switch the ball quickly.