3 vs 1 + 2: put pressure when outnumbered
Goal
Equipment
- Markers
- 2 poles
- 3 vests
- Balls
Preparation
- Playing area: 10x15 meters / 11x16 yd
- Players: at least 6
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Series: 4 reps per defender
| Summary | Secondary Objectives |
|---|---|
|
Train players to defend outnumbered in order to improve pressure |
Creating space, Support, Transition, Defending Principles, 3v1, Passing, Body shape, Intercepting, Coordination, Anticipation, Pass, Losing your marker, Attract, Positioning, Intercepting, 3 versus 1, Defending at the right distance, Read the intentions, Reading trajectories, Transitions |
Organization
Create a 15x10 meters pitch using markers. At the center of one of the short sides create a 2 meters goal using poles. Inside the pitch place three forwards. Defenders, each one with a ball, start outside the rectangle, on one side of the goal.
Description
- A defender passes the ball to one forward inside the pitch
- Forwards play with the aim to score in the goal after at least four consecutive passes without interception
- The defender puts pressure on forwards and tries to recover the ball
- If the defender steals the ball (transition), their teammates outside the rectangle can enter the pitch and play a 3 vs 3 situation with the aim to drive the ball beyond the opposite baseline
Rules
- The coach can limit forwards' number of ball touches to three in the initial 3 vs 1 situation
- Free ball touches during the 3 vs 3 situation
Variations
- Increase or reduce the pitch's size according to the age group you train
- Place another goal: this increases difficulty for defenders
- Increase or reduce the number of mandatory passes that allow forwards to shoot at goal
Coaching Points
- The defender should put pressure with rapidity, trying to read forwards' intentions
- If the defender recovers the ball, they should protect it using their body
- This drill trains players when outnumbered and improves transitions
- Transitions make the drill more dynamic and funny
- For U13 and younger groups, swap players role at the end of each series
