Finishing in Transition

John O'Sullivan

The Dutch speak of the 4 moments of the game, in other words, the 4 scenarios that each team faces during a match. These are (1) we have possession, (2) the opponent has possession, (3) transition for defending to attacking, and (4) transition form attacking to defending. At the highest levels of the game, nearly 80% of goals are scored in 3 passes or less; thus, most goals are scored from either set pieces or in transition, yet we rarely train this transition ‘mindset’ in our players.

1. Warm up:

• light jog and dynamic stretching, focusing on quads, hamstrings, and hip
• field 44 x 40 yd, 8 players by rt. Post of each goal in red or blue bibs, GK in each goal
• players dribble and shoot, slowly warming up shooting muscles and GK

2. 1v1 Transition shooting

• player from line A dribbles and shoots, as soon as he shoots player from Line B takes off and shoots while A turns and pressures him, after B shoots, he turns and pressures player from A.
• CP’s: attack at speed, immediate transition to defense

 

3. 3v2 to 2v1

• same field, make 3 lines by one goal, alternate colors in line, 3 yellow attack 2 blue, last yellow to touch ball (shot, goal, give away) becomes the defender and 2 blue attack him, other 2 yellows stay and become the next 2 defenders against 3 blue. Play to 10 goals.
• CP’s: get the bal centrally in 3v2, diagonal runs, immediate transition after shooting

4. 5v5v5 transition game

• play 5v5 + GK’s, when a team scores, the next team is on, and the team that scored turns and immediately attacks the other goal.
• CP’s: score and immediate transition to attack other goal, team that is off must be ready to sprint on and pressure the ball, get good shape quickly