Skip to main content
Sponsors
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Advertise
advancedtransition15-20 minutes12-20 players

Transition Game

Comprehensive small-sided game incorporating both attacking and defensive transitions. Develops quick thinking, adaptability, and execution during both transition moments.

U13-U14U15+

Setup

Use a large area (40x30 metres) with goals at each end. Play 6v6 or 7v7. Normal game rules but emphasise transition moments. When possession is lost, defending team must counter-press immediately. When possession is won, attacking team must counter-attack quickly. Award bonus points for goals scored within 10 seconds of winning possession. Play timed games of 5-6 minutes.

Coaching Points

  • 1React immediately to both attacking and defensive transitions
  • 2Press as soon as possession is lost, delay if you cannot win it
  • 3Play forward quickly when you win the ball
  • 4Support counter-attacks with well-timed forward runs
  • 5Recognise transition moments and respond automatically
  • 6Maintain high intensity throughout both phases

Variations

  • ✓Create zones where bonus points are awarded for winning ball back
  • ✓Add conditions like must score within time limit after winning ball
  • ✓Include neutral players who support possession team
  • ✓Progress to larger numbers and full-pitch scenarios
  • ✓Add specific transition triggers that activate rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a transition game in football training?

A transition game is a training exercise that emphasises the moments when possession changes, both when winning and losing the ball. These games develop quick decision-making, pressing, recovery, and counter-attacking within realistic match scenarios.

How do transition games improve players?

Transition games develop quick thinking, adaptability, pressing intensity, recovery speed, and the ability to switch between attacking and defending instantly. These skills are crucial in modern football where transitions often decide matches.

What makes transitions important in modern football?

Modern football is increasingly won in transition moments. Teams that excel at counter-pressing when losing possession and counter-attacking when winning it create more chances and concede fewer. Transition quality often separates elite teams from average ones.

How do I coach better transitions?

Use game-based training that replicates realistic transition scenarios. Emphasise immediate reactions when possession changes, reward quick counter-attacks and effective counter-presses, and develop players' ability to read transition moments before they happen.

Related Drills

Attack to Defence Transition

Dynamic drill teaching immediate defensive response when possession is lost. Develops pressing intensity, recovery runs, and defensive organisation in transition moments.

Counter-Attack Drill

Fast-paced drill developing attacking transition from defence to attack. Teaches quick decision-making, support play, and clinical finishing during counter-attacking moments.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

🏆

The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

♟️

FM Tactician

FM24 & FM26 tactics and formations

Related Keywords

transitionscounter-attackcounter-pressattacking transitiondefensive transitionsmall-sided gamefootball trainingtactical trainingcoaching drillsgame-based trainingtransition momentsquick thinking

Generate Custom Drills with AI

Tell FootballGPT your age group, player count, and focus area. Get a personalised drill with an animated diagram.

Try FootballGPT Free
Transition Game - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT