IMPROVE TEAM ANTICIPATION AND ORGANIZING SKILLS IN TRANSITION PLAY FROM CENTER OF FIELD
PLAYERS
12+ FIELD PLAYERS, 3 GKS
SPACE
HALF FIELD
EQUIPMENT
10+ BALLS
EXPLANATION:
3 X’s inside the central box (X1, X2, X3) start with possession of the ball. To initiate the play, these X’s attempt to make 4 consecutive possession passes inside the box area (10mx12-15m). O1 and O2 try to dispossess.
Once 4 passes are made, X’s can break out and attack the single goal (top of the diagram). All players on the field are live at this point.
If O1 and O2 win possession, they can exit and attack one of the 2 goals near the half-way line, along with other O’s. Again, all players on the field are live.
If there is a mistake inside the box and the ball is mistrapped or deflected outside the box, play is live and all players engage and play out.
Players outside the box start in positions as shown on diagram, and should stay in those areas until the play breaks.
Once the play is outside the box, play out the 6-on-6 for a minute or two, until there is a suitable break in the play.
COACHING POINTS:
The main focus of this drill is anticipating the direction of the play, and reacting once it leaves the box. Peripheral players outside the box can start to reposition as they anticipate what is going to happen. For example, the X’s on each sideline can start to move forward into an attacking position if they see X1, X2 and X3 close to completing 4 passes. However, if sideline X’s go too far forward they will be in poor defensive position if O’s win the ball.
X’s inside the box should set up passing and movement so they can eliminate defender in the box and go directly towards goal on the 4th pass.
EVALUATION:
At lower skill levels, X’s inside the box may not be able to complete 4 consecutive passes. This will be fine for the drill to work effectively. Contested possession or a change in possession will mean it is harder to predict who will come out of the box with possession.
Once the ball comes out of the box, all players should be reacting and moving into appropriate positions offensively and defensively. All players should show a sense of urgency with movement and communication.
PROGRESSION:
TTC, TTW: Start with even numbers in the box (3 X’s and 3 O’s - see diagram 2). Skill level at this stage should allow X’s to maintain possession of ball for 4 passes.
