⚽ Passing
Switching the Play
When teams press one side of the pitch, the answer is a switch — a 30-40 yard ball to the unpressed side.
Switching the Play — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Scanning before receiving to know the next option
◆Why this drill works
When teams press one side of the pitch, the answer is a switch — a 30-40 yard ball to the unpressed side. But long-distance accurate passing is rarely coached at grassroots youth level. Most U13 squads can pass 10 yards but not 30. This drill builds the technique in isolation: planted foot beside the ball, leg swing through, contact with the laces, follow through high. Then adds receiver targets at distance. By session 3, U13+ players can hit a switch ball that lands within 3 yards of a target.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Mark out: passer cone at one end, two target cones at the other end ~30 yards away on opposite flanks (12 yards apart). Players: 1 passer (P), 2 receivers (T1, T2). Spare players queue.
- PHASE 1 — Technique walkthrough (4 min). Coach demonstrates the long pass: planted foot 4-6 inches BESIDE the ball pointing at the target, slight forward lean, kicking leg swings from the hip, contact with the laces (top of foot), follow through high. Run 4-6 dry-throws (no target accuracy expected, just technique focus).
- PHASE 2 — Hitting target T1 (4 min). P repeatedly tries to hit T1 over 30 yards. T1 traps the ball, returns it short. Run 8-10 reps. Coach the technique on each.
- PHASE 3 — Switch between targets (5 min). P now alternates: T1, then T2, then T1, etc. Each switch tests both technique AND aim adjustment. Coach: 'before each pass, scan to confirm where the target is'.
- PHASE 4 — Pressure layer (3 min). Add a passive defender 5 yards from P. P must scan, choose target, and execute the switch under defender's shadow. The decision plus the technique.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Scanning before receiving to know the next option
- Opening the body to play forward, not square
- Passing into the receiver's path so they can move onto it
Correct when you see
- Forcing the pass when keeping it was the better option
- Passing to feet when the player was running into space
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Reliable touch for passing reps. | Check price → |
| Value | Disc Cones (50-pack) | Set up grids and gates fast. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Rebounder Net | Solo passing & first-touch work. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Switching the Play suitable for?
This drill suits youth. For younger players, shorten the distances and slow the tempo; for older players, reduce the touches allowed and add pressure.
How many players do I need for Switching the Play?
This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Switching the Play take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.