Transitions

A “switched on” team that responds quickly to a change in possession will benefit enormously by taking their opponents by surprise. This can happen when a team wins or loses the ball and is about making the most of the opportunity.

This special training guide containing 16 games to encourage quick thinking could give your team a winning edge by helping them spot the triggers of winning or losing the ball before their opponents – and acting on them.

“The quick transition is the most important aspect – quickly restructuring to defend or exploiting the opponent with speed when the ball is regained.” Jose Mourinho

At the very young ages transition will be happening all the time as they are concentrating on trying to kick the ball forwards and it will change hands many times. With the older ages you won’t see the ball changing quite so often – but it is vital when it does that players make the most of it. As teams get older the moments of transition become more important – players are more able to recognize that quick play can lead to getting behind their opponents.