AscCloud | Week 3:Transition Defend to Attack

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Week 3:Transition Defend to Attack

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Interactive Session Plan™

15 Minute Intentional Free Play “5 goal game”

OBJECTIVE: Encourage players to recognize space and counterattack opportunities immediately after regaining possession.

ORGANIZATION: 3v3 or 4v4 inside a 25x25 yard area
-Each team defends two goals and has one small target goal (in the middle of the field)
-If a team wins the ball, they try to dribble through any of the small goals. 
-Encourage fast attacking transition with good spacing and support

COACHING POINTS: Eyes up immediately after winning the ball
-Explode into space, don't dribble back into pressure
-Play the first forward pass if it's on

Phase 1 - 20 minutes (Possession) 2min rounds. (3 rounds total)

OBJECTIVE: Create high-tempo transition moments from defending to attacking through quick combinations and awareness.

ORGANIZATION: Mark a grid out 30x40. 
-Make 3 teams, all wearing different colors. 
-1 Team will be defending vs the 2 opposing teams. The 2 opposing teams will be working together, keeping possession away from the defending team.
-If the defending team wins the ball they try to keep it.
-Rotate defending team each round.
PROGRESSION- When the defending team wins the ball, they transition into one do the attacking teams. Whichever team lost the ball transitions to the defending team automatically.

COACHING POINTS:Be alert to press when defending, but shift into “open body shape” and options when winning it
-First pass after winning the ball = forward and purposeful
-Keep options simple and fast — support runner must go early

Phase 2 - 20 minutes  “Recover and Break”  4 rounds of 4 minutes – 1 min rest
OBJECTIVE: Train players to quickly shift into attacking mode after winning the ball in their defensive third.

ORGANIZATION: 2 teams of 5v5 or 6v6
-Field is 40x30 with one large goal and two mini goals
-One team attacks toward the big goal
-If the defending team wins possession, they have 6 seconds to play forward into a counter and try to score on the two mini goals
-Rotate attackers and defenders every 2 reps

COACHING POINTS:Instantly recognize the moment to counter
-Support runs wide and beyond the ball
-Don’t panic — if a fast break isn’t on, protect the ball and reset

Scrimmage - 20 minutes

OBJECTIVE: Let players apply defensive-to-attacking transitions in a real game with rewarding triggers.

ORGANIZATION: Normal match setup
Add this rule:
-If a team wins the ball and connects 3 passes within 8 seconds, they get 1 bonus point (even if no goal is scored)
-If they score within 10 seconds of regaining the ball, the goal is worth 2

COACHING POINTS: Encourage quick but clean play — fast passing, smart runs
-Remind players to communicate immediately when they win the ball
-Ask: “What’s next?” — what’s the next action to start the attack?

Interactive Session Plans™ created by asccloud.com