Soccer Transition Drills

Transitions are the seconds after the ball changes hands, and they decide a lot of games. These soccer transition drills train both directions: reacting immediately to win the ball back after losing it, and attacking quickly after winning it.

Each drill is animated so you can see the moment the ball turns over and how players should react. Our guide to what pressing is explains counter-pressing and pressing triggers in more detail.

Counter Pressing Drill: Win It Back in Five Seconds

Lose it and win it back in five seconds.

7 to 13 players · 15 min · U10 to adult

Pressing Trigger Drill

Three forwards wait for a pass to the full-back, then press together.

5 to 9 players · 20 min · U12 to adult

3v2 Counter Attack Drill

Win it and attack fast: three attackers against two defenders and a recovering runner.

4 to 9 players · 15 min · U10 to adult

Transition Rondo

A rondo in one half; win it and play into the other half, where your team is waiting.

10 (7 to 13) players · 15 min · U10 to adult

Playing Out From the Back Drill

Keeper and back four build out against three pressers and dribble through a gate.

6 to 10 players · 20 min · U10 to adult

Coaching tips

Make the turnover the start of the drill, so players practice the first reaction.
Set a time limit, for example five seconds to win the ball back or eight seconds to score.
Coach the nearest player first: they press the ball while the next players cut off passes.
Rest between reps; transitions are short and intense.

Turn these drills into a session

Add any drill to the free session planner with one click: it arrives with its diagram, setup and coaching points, ready to print as a PDF. To change the numbers or animate your own version, open it in DrawTactics.

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FAQ

What is a transition in soccer?
A transition is the moment a team wins or loses the ball. Attacking transitions are about going forward quickly before the opponent organizes; defensive transitions are about winning the ball back or getting back into shape.

What is a counter-pressing drill?
A counter-pressing drill trains players to press immediately after losing the ball, usually with a short time limit, so they win it back before the opponent can counter-attack.