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Patterns of play ยท U12 to adult

4-4-2 switch through the central pair

The ball moves from full-back to a central midfielder, across to the other central midfielder, and out to the far wide midfielder. Teaches the 4-4-2 to switch through the middle quickly.

U12 to adultAges
8 to 12Players
Three-quarter pitch widthArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Back four and midfield four in position; wide targets.
  • Unopposed, then add passive pressure.

Equipment: Cones, balls

How it works

  1. Full-back plays into the near central midfielder.
  2. Central midfielder plays across to their partner, who opens up.
  3. Second central midfielder switches to the far wide midfielder; repeat the other way.

Coaching points

  • Central pair stay connected: 10 to 15 metres apart.
  • Open your body to play the switch first time.
  • Far wide player holds width until the ball is coming.

Formations this drill suits

4-4-2 (11v11) drills

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Extra touch allowed

Make it harder

  • Two pressing strikers
  • Finish with a cross

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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