Six-Man Switch Pattern

Groove a switch of play through the holding midfielder and the back line, so the team can move the ball from a crowded side to the free fullback with tempo and a clean forward pass at the end.

Six stations across a 50x40 yard area: two fullbacks on the sidelines, two center backs 15 yards infield, a No. 6 in the middle, and a winger high on the far side. Two players per station. Balls with the near fullback.

1. Fullback plays inside to the No. 6, who has checked to the ball on the half-turn.
2. The No. 6 plays first time to the far center back.
3. The center back opens up and drives a pass to the far fullback, who has pushed up.
4. The fullback plays forward into the feet of the winger, who lays it off, and the fullback runs on to finish through a cone gate or into a small goal.
5. Rotate stations after every rep. Run the pattern both directions.

• No. 6: receive on the half-turn so the second pass is one touch.
• Center back: first touch out of the feet, then a driven pass.
• Far fullback: start the run when the No. 6 receives, not when the center back does.
• The pass to the winger is firm and to the feet; the layoff is soft.

• The No. 6 receives square and has to take a touch, so the switch is slow; check on the half-turn every time.
• The center back's pass is floated and the fullback has to wait; hit it firm along the ground.
• Players run the pattern at walking pace forever; the point is tempo, so put a stopwatch on it.

• Add two passive pressers who follow the ball.
• Make the center back to fullback pass a lofted switch.
• Finish with a cross and a runner instead of the gate.

• Walk the pattern with a ball in the hands.
• Two touches for everyone.
• Remove the winger and finish at the fullback.

• The No. 6 must play one touch.
• The ball may not go backward once it reaches the far fullback.