3v2 attack with a goalkeeper and two small side goals: if the defenders win the ball, they counter and the opponents drop back

Goal

Practise the 3v2 numerical advantage in attack and the immediate transition on winning the ball: break quickly towards a side goal while the opponents drop back.

Description

Half pitch with a goal and a goalkeeper (P) and two small goals without a goalkeeper on the sides, one on each side, level with the attackers. Three blue attackers (A1, A2 and A3) play, starting at the bottom, A1 on the left, A2 in the centre with the ball and A3 on the right, against two red defenders (D1 and D2) in front of the goal, at mid-distance from the box. The blues attack the big goal in order to score. If the reds win the ball, both break on the counter and must score in either of the two small side goals, while the attackers drop back to stop them. In the drawing, A2 passes to A3, A1 and A2 move forward and A3 tries to return the ball to A2, but D2 cuts out the pass; D2 dribbles towards the small goal on the right with D1 in support and shoots.

Step by step

1. 1

   A2 passes to A3, the attacker on the right.

2. 2

   A1 and A2 move forward to offer themselves.

3. 3

   A3 passes to A2, but D2 steps out and cuts out the pass.

4. 4

   D2 dribbles towards the small goal on the right.

5. 5

   D1 runs alongside D2 to offer himself while A3 drops back.

6. 6

   D2 shoots at the small goal.

Rules

The defenders can tackle or intercept, and the goalkeeper can also clear or start the counter by passing to a defender. On winning the ball, the two defenders attack and only a goal in a small side goal counts. The attackers drop back without using their hands. Goal in the big goal: 1 point for the attackers; goal in a small goal: 1 point for the defenders. If the ball goes out or the play ends, restart with another ball from A2.

Equipment

• Balls
• Regulation goal
• 2 small goals
• Bibs in 2 colours
• Cones

Physical focus

Recommended times by goal

• Tactical: 4 × 3' · rest 0'45" · High intensityOrientativo

Rotation and restart

After each play, D1 and D2 become attackers and swap roles with A1 and A3, while A2 stays as the central attacker.

Coaching points

• Attackers: open up the pitch and attack the free space before passing.
• Defenders: break out together, one presses and the other covers.
• On winning the ball, look first at both small goals and choose the one with fewer defenders.
• On losing the ball, the attacker closest to the ball presses and the rest drop back.

Common mistakes

• The attackers stand still watching when they lose the ball.

  How to correct: React at once: the closest one presses and the others run to close down.

• The two defenders break out in a line and are out of reach of the pass.

  How to correct: One dribbles and the other offers himself on the diagonal.

• The shot at the small goal is too hard and goes out.

  How to correct: Prefer a low pass to the post and place it.

Questions for the players

• “What do you do as an attacker when you see the pass may be cut out?”
• “Why is it worth deciding beforehand which small goal you are going for?”

Levels

• A · easyThe attackers take 3 seconds to move after losing the ball.
• B · standardAs described.
• C · advancedThe defenders have 8 seconds to score in the small goal, and one attacker comes in to help drop back.

If you have fewer or more players

• With 4 fewer: Two attackers against one defender, with a single small goal. (2v1 attack with a small side goal)
• With 9 more: A third defender waits beside a small goal and comes in to defend on the steal. (3v2 attack with defender rotation)
• With odd numbers: The extra player resets balls and comes in at the next rotation.

Age

Variations

• With a time limit. The attackers have 12 seconds to shoot; if not, the defenders win the point.
• With a double-value goal. A goal in a small goal is worth 2 points if it is scored within 6 seconds of winning the ball.