Backdoor Switch Handball

Focus

Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

Handballing, Shepherd.

Purpose

When the field ahead is congested, as sideways switch is a good option as it opens up space for players to lead into. This drill replicates a mark or free to a player, who uses a player running through the backdoor who then switches laterally to an open running player.

Players

15⁺

Ages

13⁺

Balls

2⁺

Cones

Distance (max)

30m

Step 1
(A) starts with the ball, replicating a situation where they have taken a mark or been awarded a free by backpedaling from their station. Hearing a call from (B), turns and handballs backwards to (B)

(B) is running towards (C) and must time their run to make (A)'s handball easy
Step 2
(B) switches with a long lateral handball to (C)
Step 3
(C) makes full use of the space opened up by the switch by running hard before handballing long to (D)
Step 4
(D) replicates a situation where they have taken a mark or been awarded a free by backpedaling from their station. Hearing a call from (E), turns and handballs backwards to (E)
Step 5
(E) handballs laterally to (F), who runs and handballs to (A) who simulates taking a mark.
Step 6
Progression: Add defenders between (C & D), and also (F & A)

Choose whether defenders can tackle lightly (as per video) or apply full tackling pressure