Switch the Field of Play in Soccer 

Soccer switch the field of play: As a team keep the game flowing by swinging the soccer ball from one side to the other to find the best ratio of numbers and the most space. On offense you want to have more attackers than there are defenders. On defense, more defenders crowding the space to make it harder for the opposing team. Let’s explore more about switching the field of play in soccer or reversing the ball to the other side of the field to find more space.

The game of soccer is finding those situations where you have the numerical advantage. Pretty simple, right. One way to do that is switching the ball from one side of the field to other. Release pressure by switching the ball to the other side of the soccer field when the side you’re on gets over loaded with players.

If you watch the best teams in the world, like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, they move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other looking for space and a numerical advantage. Draw the other team to one side of the field and then quickly switch the ball to the other side when they start to close you down.

Try playing the ball into the forwards feet, so the defense collapses into the center, and when the forward lays the ball back, you can swing the ball out wide and into the corner to get a cross off. There are a number of different ways to switch the ball, and open up the defense, but the key is to keep the ball moving and play one and two touch soccer.

Break down a packed defense by dragging the opposition out of position, says West Ham United’s Academy director, Tony Carr. Learn how to switch play in soccer.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson takes LFC International Academy coach Andrew Nicholas through the art of the cross-field pass, and the advantages of executing it well.

Just as important though is the element of surprise when keeping possession of the soccer ball and switching the ball from one side to the other.

That’s why a cutting pass against the grain so to speak can catch a team off guard and not ready to adjust to the pass that goes back at a sharp angle. This is like a blind pass or switch. Where an opposing team think you’re going to just keep playing the ball from one side to the other when really you’re looking for that diagonal pass on the other side of the field.

How to switch play in soccer like Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson | LFC International Academy Coaching Clinic.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson takes LFC International Academy coach Andrew Nicholas through the art of the cross-field pass, and the advantages of executing it well.

For more information about LFC International Academy, see our website at lfcinternationalacademy.com or check out our channel here on YouTube.