Tactics for transitions ATTACKING TACTICS – PHASE 1 When your team has the ball follow the following tactics: Spread out to create width and space across the pitch and high up the pitch Players must now move into positions where they can receive the ball to make it easier for teammates to pass Be patient to look for an opening in their opponents’s defence Try to play forward whenever possible looking to pass between the lines and penetrate the defence Make quick decisions to support the player with the ball timing runs into space. Be creative and be prepared to take risks in the final third of the pitch TRANSITION TACTICS – PHASE 2 Recover and shrink quickly into a defensive shape pressing high if possible Cover routes to goal block passes and shots DEFENDING TACTICS – PHASE 3 Once teams have taken on the defensive shape they must now try to control the game without the ball.> Individuals must delay movement of opponents and maintain a shape that contains the opposition Maintain your defensive position behind the ball as long as possible Teams must cover the areas in front of goal making the areas where space becomes > dangerous much smaller Pressure the ball carrier as a unit when the opportunity presents itself Close down passing lanes quickly spotting any possible passing routes Balance in defence is important – if a defender moves out of position to close an opponent down another defender must cover that position Don’t jump in and allow attackers to skip past control the players movement TRANSITION TACTICS – PHASE 4 When your team wins the ball they must now attack at pace making the most of any overloads or players caught upfield