How it works
- Who starts
- An attacker in the left square, with the ball.
- Who takes part
- Three attackers in each square and one defender (D) who goes from one square to the other.
- What the ball does
- Four passes in one square and then a long pass along the ground to the other.
- How to score
- One point for each switch of square without losing the ball.
- When it ends
- Rounds of 2 minutes.
- How it restarts
- If the ball goes out, an attacker from the square where it went out puts it back in.
- How players rotate
- If the defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost it.
Number of players
7-7 players
Format
3+3v1
Recommended
3 × 8 min
Rest 45s · Medium intensity
Space
Small-sided space
Space
10×25 m
Goal
Keep the ball and switch play to the other side with a long pass along the ground.
Description
Two 10x10 m squares side by side, with three attackers in each and one defender. The players in the square with the ball make 4 passes and then send it to the other square. The defender tries to win it and, when the ball changes square, runs to defend in the other. It teaches keeping the ball and switching play to the other side, as in 7-a-side and 8-a-side.
Step by step
- 1
Passes inside the left square (up to four).
- 2
Fourth pass: the ball reaches the attacker closest to the other square.
- 3
Long pass along the ground to the other square.
- 4
The defender runs to defend in the other square.
Rules
Four passes in the square and then a pass to the other square. The defender runs to the square where the ball is. If they win it, the player who lost it goes in to defend.
Equipment
- 6 cones
- Bibs
- Balls
Recommended times by goal
- Technical: 3 × 2' · rest 0'45" · Medium intensityOrientativo
Rotation and restart
If the defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost it: the one who lost it becomes the defender.
Coaching points
- Count the passes out loud.
- Long pass along the ground to switch sides.
- The players in the other square get ready to receive.
Common mistakes
A lofted long pass that takes ages to arrive.
How to correct: Strike the ball through the middle so it travels along the ground.
The players in the other square wait standing still.
How to correct: Spread out and show for the ball before the pass arrives.
Questions for the players
- “How many passes have we made?”
- “Is the other square ready?”
Levels
- A · easyNo defender in the receiving square.
- B · standardAs described.
- C · advancedA defender in each square.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 2 fewer: Two attackers per square and a joker on the halfway line. (2+2+1v1)
- With 1 more: A defender in each square. (3+3v2)
- With odd numbers: The extra player acts as a joker on the halfway line.
Age
Variations
- Fewer passes. Switch squares after 3 passes.
- Lofted pass. Switch squares through the air, with a directional first touch.