Small-Sided Games, Possession, Transitions · U9+
4v4 on a free area, with an end zone marked with cones at both ends. No goals. A point is scored when a player from your team receives a pass in the end zone. The coach calls a direction change during play, and the attacking direction switches from that moment. The defending team has just compacted to the wrong end, so the space is behind them—this must be seen and used before they have time to turn. Play time is 3–4 minutes at a time, with multiple calls per round.
Head up before the ball arrives: the direction may have changed in the meantime. After the call, play the ball to the player who is free and can see the new direction—not the closest one. The longest pass is often the best right after the call because the defense is in the wrong end. Keep both ends occupied.
Who is free and can see the new end? How many touches do you have before the defense turns? Where is the space immediately after the call?
End game with changing direction is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Small-Sided Games, Possession, Transitions. Age group: U9+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.