Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Today’s featured activity is a 2 v 1 turning into a 3 v 3 to goal. There are similar type of activities in the book Brazilian Soccer Coaching by Mauricio Marques.
This activity uses half a field broken into 3 sections. Assuming the half field is 58 yards long one section is from the midfield line 20 yards in. The second section is from that section to the top of the 18 and the third section is from the 18 to the goal.
In section 1 there will be 2 attacking midfielders vs 1 defending midfielder. In section 2 there will be 2 backs and 1 forward. In section 3 will be 1 keeper
The ball starts with the two attacking midfielders and they are playing 2 v 1 while trying to advance the ball into section 2. They can advance the ball by dribbling into the section, passing to the other midfielder or by passing the ball into their forward. The ball must enter section 2 before either of the midfielders are permitted to . Once the ball is in section 2 all players are allowed in which now creates a 3 v 3 situation.
The attacking team next tries to get into section 3 at which point they are allowed to shoot (shots may only be hit from section 3). The ball must enter section 3 (from a pass or dribble) before any player is permitted into the area.
The difference between playing with these sections vs playing a simple 3 v 3 to goal is does an excellent job of differentiating different roles based on positions.
There are other variations you can use which would include a minimum of X number of passes in section 1 before the ball can be advanced to section 2 and a minimum of X number of passes in section 2 before the ball can be advanced to section 3. Personally, I like this activity more for working on penetration than possession so don’t use these types of restrictions but depending upon your teams needs it’s an option. You can also require all shots be hit from section 2 in order to encourage looking for long distance shooting.
There are similar type of activities in the book Brazilian Soccer Coaching by Mauricio Marques.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
