The Switch

The Switch is also a common Sub Unit skill, and sometimes new teams perform this skill without recognising it. Purely and simply the Switch Pass changes the direction of the attack.

The purpose of the Switch is to gain an advantage over you opposition by creating an overlap in attack (eg. 2 on 1 situation) or create a gap for you team-mate to run through and potentially score.

Teaching points:

• Communicate the move with the receiver
• Receiver initially runs parallel with the passer
• Passer runs across field to widen the attack angel, thereby drawing the defender across
• Three quarters distance is covered, then the receiver steps back infield towards the passer
• The passer rotates their body in direction of receiver and delvers a soft pass, eg. Switch with player of left, turn left shoulder and pass left
• Direct pass to receivers hands
• Receiver looks at ball
• Receiver straightens attack and accelerates through the gap

Common errors

• Not a wide enough angle by passer
• Receiver moves in too early (thereby allowing the defenders to changes players)
• Receiver not looking at ball
• Passer turns wrong direction eg. Player has back to receiver and therefore receiver cannot see the ball until the last second
• Misdirected pass
• Receiver not straightening

Have a look at the basic video clip on how the Switch Pass is performed (Switch Drill – Play clips) then have a look at how it is performed in a game (Switch – Demo clips). Take note of how the player with the ball makes sure their defender is chasing them before they switch.

Switch Drill – Play Clip

Switch – Demo Clip