Transition Between Lines (Part 1 of 2)
From the March 17, 2004, issue of The Technical Area
by Lang Wedemeyer
NSCAA Regional Technical Director

This is Part 1 in a two-part series.  Part 2 will address transitioning from the the midfield to the forwards.

Transition from the Goalkeeper to through the Backs to the Midfield

Warm Up
Activity
- Passing and moving
- Evolving into possession

Organization
- 2 teams of 8 (7+GK)
- 60x44 grid to start  (Figure 1)

Coaching Points
- Body shape 
- First touch
- Preparing the ball
- GK distribution
- Timing of runs
Figure 1: 7v7 + GKs
Possession without direction

Maine Theme 1
Activity
- End Zone Possession Game
- Chip ball into GK hands for point

Organization
- 7v7 to GKs in end zones
- Create 1/3s of field (Figure 2)

Coaching Points

- Distribution by GKs
- Possess vs. penetrate
- Utilize/create space  

  Figure 2: 7v7 + GKs to end zones
Field is divided in thirds

Main Theme 2
Activity
- 8v8 to big goal and 2 counter goals

Organization
- 60-70 long X 65-70 wide
- Field divided into 1/3s
- Defending forwards must drop behind line when GK has the ball (Figure 3)

Coaching Points
- Defining when space is available for penetration 
- Early looks forward

  Figure 3: 1-3-3-1 vs. 1-3-3-1
Transition from GK to backs

Main Theme 3
Activity
- 8v8 to big goal and 2 counter goals

Organization
- Organize specific numbers in each area
- Work with GK to backs & backs into midfield
(Figure 4)

Coaching Points
- Determining where space is by numbers in each area 

  Figure 4: Circles -- 1-3-3-1 Focus on transitioning ball from backs to midfield
Squares -- 1-3-2-2 Focus on defending and attacking in transition

Game
Activity
- 8v8 to 2 big goals

Organization
- Allow teams to organize their own formations

Coaching Points
- Coach teams in decisions on how to best transition from one line to the next with an
emphasis on GK to backs to midfield