3 vs 1 + 2: put pressure when outnumbered

Goal:

Press

Soccer Tactics

Equipment

Markers
2 poles
3 vests
Balls

Preparation

Playing area: 10x15 meters / 11x16 yd
Players: at least 6
Duration: 15 minutes
Series: 4 reps per defender

3 vs 1 + 2: put pressure when outnumbered

Summary

Train players to defend outnumbered in order to improve pressure

Organization

Create a 15x10 meters pitch using markers. At the center of one of the short sides create a 2 meters goal using poles. Inside the pitch place three forwards. Defenders, each one with a ball, start outside the rectangle, on one side of the goal.

Description

A defender passes the ball to one forward inside the pitch
Forwards play with the aim to score in the goal after at least four consecutive passes without interception
The defender puts pressure on forwards and tries to recover the ball
If the defender steals the ball (transition), their teammates outside the rectangle can enter the pitch and play a 3 vs 3 situation with the aim to drive the ball beyond the opposite baseline

Rules

The coach can limit forwards' number of ball touches to three in the initial 3 vs 1 situation
Free ball touches during the 3 vs 3 situation

Variations

Increase or reduce the pitch's size according to the age group you train
Place another goal: this increases difficulty for defenders
Increase or reduce the number of mandatory passes that allow forwards to shoot at goal

Coaching Points

The defender should put pressure with rapidity, trying to read forwards' intentions
If the defender recovers the ball, they should protect it using their body
This drill trains players when outnumbered and improves transitions
Transitions make the drill more dynamic and funny
For U13 and younger groups, swap players role at the end of each series

Difficulty:

Category:

Age: