Explaining ‘Phases of Play’ Without Sounding Like a Football Nerd
Ever overheard a coach say “we lost it in transition” or “we need better shape in possession”? Don’t worry — you’re not missing a secret code. They’re just talking about the basic rhythm of the game.
Let’s break it down, parent-to-parent.
What Are the “Phases of Play”?
In junior soccer, there are four key phases that coaches use to understand and teach the game:
In Possession – We have the ball → Try to build up and attack.
Out of Possession – They have the ball → Defend as a team and try to win the ball back
Transition to Attack – your team just won the ball and is switching from defence to attack.
Transition to Defence – your team just lost the ball and needs to switch from attack to defence.
That’s it. Not rocket science — just the natural flow of any match.
Add One Layer: Where It’s Happening
Coaches also think about where the play is happening — in our half or their half.
• If we have the ball in our half, we’re building up. Calm decisions matter.
• If we have the ball in their half, we’re attacking — trying to break through and score.
• If they have the ball in our half, we need to defend and protect the goal.
• If they have it in their half, we might press to win it back early.
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about learning what the game needs in each moment.
Why It Matters for Young Players
Soccer is fast. Things change in a second. One moment your child is dribbling forward, the next they’re chasing back. Most kids just want to chase the ball at first. That’s normal. Over time, coaches use simple versions of these phases to help kids understand where to be and what to do next — even if they’re not sure what the coach means by “defensive transition.”
It also helps with:
Positioning (“Where should I be when we don’t have the ball?”)
Decision-making (“Should I dribble or pass here?”)
Teamwork (“How do I support my teammates depending on the situation?”)
What You Can Do as a Parent
You don’t need to use these terms — but knowing them helps you recognise the effort behind the action.
• Notice the smart stuff: “You stayed in position when we had the ball — good thinking!”
• Encourage effort during transitions: “You were quick to get back when we lost it — that’s teamwork.”
• Trust the messiness: It’s OK if it looks chaotic. That’s where the learning happens.
Bottom line?
Phases of play are just a simple way for kids to learn when to defend, when to attack, and when to be ready. You’re not watching the Premier League — you’re watching learning in motion.
