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Switching the play

Switching the play (advanced) — U13-U14

Disguise, then switch to the weak side. Timed phases for a 75-minute U13-U14 session.

U13-U14 Whole–Part–Whole Developing 65 mins 12–16 players Match intensity Possession Attacking
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Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Arrival linked to Switching the play

8:00

Ball-each or light rondo that previews switching the play. Raise intensity gradually.

Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.

Coaching points
  • On toes, scan early.
  • Quality first touch under light pressure.
  • Compete with a smile.
Progressions
  • Add a second ball or time pressure.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, fewer touch limits.
Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Switching the play

18:00

Directional game with a clear condition that makes switching the play the easiest path to success.

Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when switching the play is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early, stay compact.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral pivot / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins

Part practice — Switching the play

18:00

Isolated repetition of the key action for switching the play, then rebuild toward the game picture.

Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.

Coaching points
  • Detail the technique before adding speed.
  • Disguise intentions where possible.
  • Recover shape after each action.
Progressions
  • Live defender / timed finishing.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Switching the play

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.

Coaching points
  • Can we transfer tonight’s theme without the condition?
  • Communicate the next action early.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Plenary review

5:00

Players answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Player voice first.
  • Link to upcoming fixture if relevant.

Related drills

Warmup - touch

Make a circle with roughly half players outside and half players inside. Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands) Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same. 1-minute intervals – switching inside and outside in between Ball on floor, 1-2-1-2 pass. Ball from hands, Pass back to hands with inside of right foot Ball from hands, Pass back to hands with inside of left foot From Hands, chest and volley back to hands From hands, chest, knee, volley back Header high (away) Header to hands Warmup - touch

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Warmup – touch (u8s)

Make a circle with roughly half players outside and half players inside. Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands) Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same. 1-minute intervals – switching inside and outside in between Ball on floor, left foot Ball on floor, right foot Ball on floor, left then right Ball from hands, control, pass back Warmup – touch (u8s)

Use in creator

Warmup – touch (u8s made easier)

Make a circle with roughly half players outside and half players inside. Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands) Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same. 1-minute intervals – switching inside and outside in between Ball on floor, return with left foot Ball on floor, return with right foot Ball on floor 1-2-1-2 pass Ball from hands, Pass back to hands with inside of foot From Hands, chest and pass back Warmup – touch (u8s made easier)

Use in creator

Warmup - touch

Make a circle with roughly half players outside and half players inside. Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands) Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same. 1-minute intervals – switching inside and outside in between Ball on floor, 1-2-1-2 pass. Ball from hands, Pass back to hands with inside of right foot Ball from hands, Pass back to hands with inside of left foot From Hands, chest and volley back to hands From hands, chest, knee, volley back Header Warmup - touch

Use in creator

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