Four vs Four vs Four in the Penalty Area
While the primary objective of the following drill is to maintain possession of the ball, the exercise also reinforces the concept that all players be able to immediately switch from an offensive to defensive role and vice versa - to instantly become a defender when their team loses possession of the ball, and an attacker when the team gains possession of the ball. Typically, the time required to make the switch from one role to the other is greater with younger, inexperienced players. Time becomes a more precious commodity at higher levels of competition where players must be able to make the transition in a matter of moments. Number of Players: Twelve; three teams of four (the number of players per team can vary depending upon age and ability level).
Objectives: To improve possession play; to develop small-group attacking and defending concepts; to train players to make an immediate transition from attack to defense, or defense to attack, upon change of possession; to improve decision-making abilities. Organization: Play within the confines of the penalty area (18 yards by 44 yards). Organize three teams of four with each team wearing a different colored scrimmage vest, for example, blue, gold, and red. To begin, designate one group of four as the defending team. One ball required per game. There are no goals or goalkeepers.
Procedure: Two teams join to create an eight (8) versus four (4) player advantage for the attack. The 8 attackers attempt to keep the ball from the 4 defenders through appropriate use of passing, receiving and dribbling skills coupled with off-the-ball support movement. Each member of the defending team must carry a small plastic disc (or colored towel) as they chase the ball and attempt to win possession. When the defending team steals the ball, or when the ball goes out of play last touched by a member of the attacking team, all four defenders immediately drop their discs (towels) and become attackers. The four players on the team that lost possession become defenders; however, before attempting to win the ball back they must run to and pick up a disc. Play is continuous as teams switch from attacking to defending roles upon change of possession. The transition from attack to defense should be immediate. To make the game more competitive, assess the defending team 1 penalty point for each time it allows the eight-player attacking team to complete 10 consecutive passes. The team that concedes the fewest penalty points at the end of time is the winner. Time: 20 to 25 minutes.
Coaching Tips: On Attack: Emphasize proper angle and distance of support; encourage player movement off-the-ball; emphasize quick ball movement and limited touches to change the point-of-attack. Emphasize immediate switch to defense upon loss of possession. On Defense: Emphasize immediate pressure on the ball (first defender) coupled with proper cover (second defenders). Defending players should attempt to limit the space and time available to the attackers, and make play as predictable as possible. Emphasize immediate transition to attack upon gaining possession of the ball. Adapt the drill to accommodate the age, ability and experience of players. Increase the number of players per team with advanced level players, and limit the number of touches (two-touch, three-touch, etc.) allowed to receive and pass the ball. You can also increase or decrease the number of consecutive passes required to assess a penalty point against the defending team.
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