MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL (Switching Play in Defence)
This practice is a continuation, but with the emphasis on defenders actually working in a game situation i.e. switching play and retaining possession.
Practice
Goalkeeper (GK) using his area, throws out to the right side defender (A), who (still facing his own goal) plays for safety by laying the ball back to centre defender (B), who adjusts his position slightly.
On taking control (B) plays a long diagonal pass to (D) (the left sided defender), - (B) then moves round to cover (as in diagram).
(D) collects and lays the ball back to (C), who then hits a long pass ahead of (A) who controls and sets up an attack.
There are several key factors
(1) The weight on the passes back by (A) and (D) must be accurate;
(2) First time passes whenever possible, if not collect, control, then pass as swiftly as possible
(3) (A) and (D) must try and give width to the practice, and move up-field when possible; so the diagonal passes from (B) and (C) must be accurate, and should be ahead of the target player whenever possible
(4) It is crucial to maintain the correct shape of the back four, - cover at all times, and support play when needed
To progress
At a given signal the ball must be played back to the goalkeeper, who would get control and set up the play as quickly as possible. The goalkeeper must manoeuvre himself across the penalty area at all times to maintain his participation in the practice. He is part of the practice all the time, offering cover and a back pass target if needed.
The goalkeeper should use both feet for clearances, and should work at his quality of passing. He should play one touch whenever possible, only using his hands on the odd occasion.
