Switch and stay in the game

WHY USE IT

A switch play attacks the inside, weak shoulder of a defender. Execute this well as a passer by drawing the defender out of position. Once the pass has gone, get back into the game.

set up

Two tackle tubes, several balls, six players, plus two cones for the development.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Set up two lines of three players. Feed the ball to a player who is 7m from two tackle tubes. They cut across at around 45 degrees (see top illustration). They pass the ball off their hip, into the path of the second player. The passer then runs through the gap in the tubes, so they finish facing up the pitch (see middle illustration). They go through the tubes and look for the ball again.

Development: Put in one or two defenders who run off cones behind the tackle tubes to put pressure on the passer and receiver (see bottom illustration).

coaching points

• Engage on the catch so the ball carrier takes the ball forward, then cuts across.
• The receiver engages the defender on taking the ball, then runs away from them.
• Leave the pass on the hip on the switch, don’t pass it (see insets in the middle illustration). It should be suspended in the air.

• Feed the first receiver as they are running forward
• They run an ‘S’ line, engaging the defence, and then runs across before straightening up
• A support player runs forward

• The initial ball carrier runs through the tackle tubes to be ready to take a return pass
• The receiver turns their run so they can reconnect to the original ball carrier

• The ball carrier ‘leaves the ball on their hip’, so the receiver can run on to the ball

• Develop by adding in two defenders, which means the second ball carrier has to run away from the covering player