Switch into Defense

Focus

Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

Kick Long.

Purpose

The switch can open up space for players up the ground, but can be dangerous. A horizontal switch that is picked off by the opposition will often result in a goal. To lessen the risk, this drill practices switching defensively away from opponents rather than horizontally.

Players

18⁺

Ages

15⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

150m

Setup
Players spread out evenly amongst stations (A) to (F).
Step 1
(A) starts with the ball and runs, bounces, then hits leading (B) with a long kick.

Next time (A) will receive a kick from (F)
Step 2
(B) simulates taking a defensive mark by backpedaling and looking forward for options. (B) sees nothing on, so waits for movement.
Step 3
(C), who is standing almost in-line horizontally from (B), breaks quickly by running away from goal, providing a switching option that (B) kicks to.

This is the key movement - players lead into defense to get away from the opposition.

It is important in a game situation that players vacate this space, so it can be used for the switch.
Step 4
(C) marks, then hearing call from overlapping (D), delivers by foot to that running player.

The kick must allow the receiver to run onto it rather than having to wait for it.
Step 5
The exercise is repeated up the other side with (D) running and kicking to leading (E)
Step 6
(E) performs the same ritual as (B), then switches defensively to (F), who finishes the loop by kicking to overlapping (A).
Step 7
Start with 1 ball and a maximum length of 100m. Modify the drill by:

Changing the direction of play

Introducing a second ball