Offensive Switches in Soccer

OFFENSIVE SWITCHES IN SOCCER

In soccer, an offensive switch performed by two attacking teammates is effectively an exchange of positions used as a tactic to beat defenders.

Basic Offensive Switch in Soccer

Also known as “crossover runs,” offensive switches may be “called” or “natural” and may or may not involve the ball. A “called” switch simply means that one of the two players involved literally uses an oral communication call to say “Switch” to implement the action. A “natural” switch occurs during the normal run of play, when players recognize the opportunity to perform the switch, and simply does not involve the oral call.

Basic Offensive Switch – In the basic offensive switch, two teammates near each other run diagonally forward, left and right respectively, forming an “X” pattern. One player starts the diagonal run and the other player immediately reacts by performing the crossing diagonal run behind the first player. For example, an inside forward runs diagonally left-to-right to the right wing and the right wing runs diagonally right-to-left to the inside. Until returning to their usual positions, the inside forward assumes the duties and responsibilities of the wing and vice versa.

This type of offensive switch may be performed with or without one of the players having possession of the ball. Continuing the example above, the inside forward could dribble diagonally in front of the wing and the wing then switches or, upon seeing the wing dribbling up the sideline, the inside makes the run toward the sideline and then the dribbler cuts inside. An example of switching without the ball could have two forwards perform the crossing runs ahead of one of their midfielders approaching with the ball.

Offensive Switch Ahead of Ball in Soccer

Under any condition, the objective of the offensive switch is to free one or both of the runners for a pass, either by causing a single defender to have to choose who to cover (in a 2 v 1 situation) or by causing confusion in two defenders as to which way to go (in a 2 v 2 situation). This type of switch can be performed almost anywhere on the field, but is usually implemented in the opponents’ half. The basic offensive switch is also referred to as a “lateral” or “horizontal” switch because the runs go in the direction of opposite touchlines. This is to distinguish it from the “vertical” switch.

Vertical Switch – In a “vertical” switch, two attacking players exchange positions from back-to-front or front-to-back in the direction of opposite end-lines (goal lines) during the normal course of play. For example, a right midfielder could dribble the ball up to the right wing and they switch positions with the midfielder continuing on as the wing. The wing then takes over the position of the midfielder.

Vertical Offensive Switch in Soccer

As with the horizontal switch, this can be done with or without the ball. Similarly, the vertical switch can involve oral communication or be performed as part of the normal run of play. As with the lateral switch, the objective is to confuse defenders as to whom they should mark when the switch occurs. Note that the vertical switch also involves the actual exchange of positions and is not to be confused with an “overlap” or “overlapping run,” which does not. See: The Overlap in Soccer.

Lateral (or Horizontal) Switch – In a “lateral” switch, two attacking players exchange positions side-to-side in the direction of opposite sidelines (touch lines) during the normal course of play. For example, a center midfielder could dribble the ball up middle when attacking players in front run past each other in order to get open for a pass. This is a particularly good option to use to try to defeat a defense using the offside trap.

Lateral Offensive Switch

As with the other switches, the runs of the lateral switch are intended to cause hesitation or failure of defenders to stay with their mark by either having to switch or to change direction. The pass is then made to the player who obtains the best advantage away from their defender.

When the action of any given switch has been completed, and the players are able to return to their original positions without compromising play, the return should be formally initiated or acknowledged by the players using oral communication to state, “Switch back” or “Switching back.” See: On-field Oral Communications in Soccer.

Soccer Coaching Tips:

Also see: CoachingAmericanSoccer.com “Introduction to Attacking Runs” and “Intermediate Attacking Runs in Soccer”