By Steven Smith
Three Squares
Area Size: For groups of six’s or seven’s a square grid of 44X44 (progressively smaller sized grids inside of larger grid)
Teams: Three groups of six or seven (or other numbers as coach chooses)
Time: 10-12 minutes
Objective: Increase passing skills in teams of all developmental levels
Narrative
Taking risks and connecting passes can often be counter to each other. This activity will help players find good connecting passes under pressure and in a fairly chaotic setting with many other movements happening at the same time.
This activity emphasizes connecting passes while under controlled pressure (level of pressure controlled by coach). The athletes will need to move to position themselves for connecting passes by short movements. This movement and communication necessary under strict pressure of time and space can have a great effect on connecting passes in game settings.
Set Up
Two groups of six to seven players occupy three grids one inside the next (see graphic below). The idea is for the group on the outermost grid to connect passes to the group on the innermost grid. Start off with each of the outer players possessing a ball to attempt to pass into the center grid. The middle grid is occupied by defenders who cannot leave their grid but works to intercept passes that come through their grid.
The focus is on the outer grid group of players for feedback from the coach. Their movement around their grid is essential for finding the line of passing that will enable them to connect with the inner grid. This means the coach can give feedback on keeping the head up, keeping the ball moving and looking for opportunities. The key cues essential for connecting passes of posture, eye contact and verbal communication are essential as well and the coach can focus on those cues.
Players rotate grid locations with their group after a time limit or after all of the starting balls have been knocked out of the grids by the defending group.
Variations
Add goalkeepers to the inner group for receiving with their hands.
Add goalkeepers to the middle defensive group who can use their hands to intercept passes (increases difficulty for the outside group).
Add competition with consequences for the losing groups by counting the number of completed passes before their balls are knocked out by the defending group.
Reintroduce balls knocked out and play for time only and count completed passes.
As balls are knocked out of play by the middle group the players on the outside grid can combine passes together before attempting to pass the ball to the inner grid.
A player on the outside grid with the ball can attempt to dribble through the middle defended grid to reach the inside grid. When this occurs a player from the inner grid must run to outside grid to maintain team balance.
By Steve Smith
Steve Smith has been a men's college coach that holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a Doctorate in Physical Education.
