Sessions in the Karen and Frank Wiley ‘71 Dome at CBA
Speed of Play with and Against the Ball: A Three-Team Transition Game with Coach Joe Machado
Last night’s training session at BWP Football Academy was a high-intensity, fast-paced event led by Coach Joe Machado, focusing on one of the most critical aspects of the game: speed of play with and against the ball.
The highlight of the session was a three-team transition game, which allowed players to sharpen their decision-making, improve their reaction times, and fine-tune their ability to shift from offense to defense—and vice versa—at a moment’s notice.
The field was set up to encourage players to move the ball rapidly, with small spaces that forced quick decisions. The transitions weren’t just about losing the ball and getting it back; they were about *moving the ball at speed* while adjusting to the game’s changing dynamics—whether on the attack or tracking back to defend.
Key Focus Areas: Speed of Play in Both Directions
At the core of the session was the challenge of playing with and against the ball at speed. Here’s how Coach Machado emphasized each aspect:
- With the Ball:
- The emphasis was on *quick passing*, *creating space*, and maintaining *high tempo* in possession. Players were encouraged to think several steps ahead, making decisions quickly to shift the ball before the defending team could react. This kind of speed of play forces players to be mentally sharp and physically prepared to deliver under pressure.
- Against the Ball:
- The defending team had to quickly recognize the change in possession and adjust their positioning to either counterattack or reset The transition from offense to defense had to happen in an instant. Losing the ball doesn’t just mean defending; it means shifting gears from attack mode to defense mode in a way that doesn’t allow the opposing team to capitalize on mistakes.
In modern football, the ability to play quickly and transition effectively between offense and defense can be the difference between winning and losing. A fast tempo keeps opponents on their toes and can force them to make errors, while a slow game allows the defending team to settle into their shape.
The key takeaway from last night’s session was that speed isn’t just about physical pace; it’s about mental speed. Knowing when to pass, when to move, and when to adjust defensively can often be the deciding factor in a match. For BWP Football Academy players, the drill offered a chance to refine those instincts and elevate their game intelligence.
Coach Machado shared some valuable insights with the players during the session. He emphasized that it’s not enough to just have speed—players need to learn *when* to play quickly and *how* to manage transitions effectively. His approach was clear: “The game doesn’t wait for you to catch up. The faster you think and play, the more control you’ll have over the game.”
As players continue to develop at BWP Football Academy, sessions like these are essential in shaping a fast, dynamic style of play. Whether it’s maintaining possession, exploiting space, or making a quick recovery after losing the ball, speed of play is at the heart of modern football. The three-team transition game is just one example of how Coach Joe Machado is helping players understand the importance of thinking and acting quickly to stay one step ahead of their opponents.
With a focus on both the physical and mental aspects of the game, Coach Machado’s session provided players with the tools they need to elevate their game —and ultimately, their performance on the pitch.
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