Three versus Two (Plus One)
Soccer is a continuous, flowing game with few stoppages in play. As a consequence players must be able to make an immediate transition from defense to attack and vice versa upon change of ball possession. From a defensive point-of-view the team is most vulnerable during the moments immediately following loss of ball possession, a period when defending players haven't had sufficient time to regroup and reorganize. From an attacking point-of-view this situation presents a window of opportunity for a swift counterattack and potential strike at goal. Good players and good teams will take advantage of those who are slow to make the transition from attack to defense by creating a numerical advantage of players for themselves (4 vs 3, 3 vs 2, etc) in that area of the field. The following drill is designed to improve individual and group transition play, as well as develop the group tactics used on both attack and defense. Number of Players: Six; two teams of three.
Organization: Use markers to outline an area of 20 by 30 yards. Position a pair of cones or flags 5 yards apart to represent a goal centered on each end line. Two teams of three players each position within the area. One team has the ball to begin.
Procedure: Begin with a kickoff from the center of the playing field. Each team defends a goal. The team with the ball attacks with three players; opponents defend with two field players and a goalkeeper. If a defending player steals the ball, he or she must kick it back to his or her goalkeeper before the team can initiate it's counterattack. Upon receiving the ball the goalkeeper quickly moves forward to join his or her teammates in the attack. One player on the team having lost possession immediately drops back to play as the goalkeeper; the two remaining players position to defend the goal. Teammates should alternate playing in goal when on defense. Goals are scored by shooting the ball through the opponent's goal below the height of the goalkeeper's head. The team scoring the most goals wins the game. Time: Play continuous for 20 minutes.
Coaching Tips: Emphasize immediate transition from attack to defense and defense to attack upon change of possession. Place an extra supply of balls behind each goal to avoid delays when the ball travels past the goal. Adjust the area size to accommodate the age and ability of the players. Younger, less skilled players can use a larger playing area to increase the time and space available for skill execution and decision-making.
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