Fast 3v1 attack that becomes 3v3 if the cover arrives: finish before the two full-backs close in
Linkalde exercise
How it works
- Who starts
- A1, blue, with the ball in the central zone, next to A2 and A3.
- Who takes part
- Three blue attackers, one red at the edge of the box, two wide reds and a goalkeeper.
- What the ball does
- A1 passes to A2, who links with A3, and A3 shoots at goal before the reds from the sides arrive.
- How to score
- One point for each blue goal; one point for the reds if they win the ball and cross the halfway line.
- When it ends
- With a goal, the ball going out or the reds winning it back.
- How it restarts
- A new trio sets off with another ball from the centre of the pitch.
- How players rotate
- After each attack the roles change between attackers and defenders.
Number of players
7-12 players
Format
Fast attack 3v1 with cover
Recommended
4 × 16 min
Rest 60s · High intensity
Space
Half pitch
Goalkeepers
1
Goal
Decide and execute quickly with a numerical advantage, and win the ball back with maximum intensity by arriving to help from the sides.
Description
Half pitch with a goal and a goalkeeper. Three blues start with the ball from the central zone against a single red defender placed at the edge of the box. Meanwhile, two reds wait at the ends of the byline, one on each side, and set off at the same time as the attackers: they run to a pole in their lane, go round it and re-enter play to even up the duel. The blues must combine in few touches and finish before the cover arrives, because if they are slow the attack becomes a 3v3.
Step by step
- 1
A1 passes to A2 while A3 runs diagonally towards the box; the two wide reds set off towards the poles.
- 2
A2 plays the second pass to A3 without letting the numbers even up.
- 3
A3 shoots at goal before the wide reds close in.
Rules
The two wide reds and the attackers set off on the coach's signal. The wide reds must go round the pole before entering. If the reds win the ball, they try to leave dribbling over the halfway line.
Equipment
- Regulation goal
- 2 poles
- Balls
- Bibs in two colours
Physical focus
Recommended times by goal
- Tactical: 4 × 4' · rest 1' · High intensityOrientativo
Rotation and restart
After each attack the roles change: the attackers become the lane defenders and one red becomes a forward. The waiting group comes in as attackers.
Coaching points
- Few touches and top speed from the first pass.
- Diagonal runs to open passing lanes for a teammate.
- Decide early whether to dribble, hold or release depending on how the defender sets up.
- The red wide players arrive at full speed, even if the attack is almost done.
Common mistakes
The attackers dribble too much and let the cover arrive.
How to correct: Move the ball at the first or second touch and attack head on.
Soft passes or poorly directed to the teammate.
How to correct: Firm pass to the far foot, into the area the defender has already left free.
The wide players stop when they see the goal.
How to correct: Always arrive at the end of the play to cover the rebound.
Questions for the players
- “When do you decide to dribble and when to release the ball?”
- “How does the attack change when you hear the wide players coming?”
Levels
- A · easyThe wide defenders set off two seconds late.
- B · standardAs described.
- C · advancedAttackers on two touches and the poles closer to the pitch so the wide players arrive sooner.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 5 fewer: One wide red sets off on the ball side only and there are just two attackers. (Attack 2v1 with one cover)
- With more: Two trios alternate and the goalkeeper acts as a neutral in the changeovers. (Attack 3v1 in two trios)
- With odd numbers: The extra player waits behind the goal and comes in as the first pass.
Age
Variations
- Compulsory wall pass. Before finishing there must be a wall pass or a pass to the third man.
- Goals competition. Two teams play to see who scores more in a given time.
Source: toplidercoach (adaptado)