3v3 to Goals
This drill develops players' ability to attack and defend in small spaces while encouraging quick decision-making, teamwork, and fitness through constant movement.
3v3 soccer, small-sided game, attacking, defending, transition play
A small-sided 3v3 game that enhances attacking, defending, and transition play while providing high-energy, game-like scenarios with continuous player rotation.
Drill Setup
- Field Size: 20x30 yards
- Goals: Two goals, one at each end line (cones, training sticks, or small goals)
- Players: Two teams (yellow & blue), rotating substitutes
- Ball Supply: Multiple soccer balls with the coach
- Starting Positions: 3 players per team on the field, substitutes waiting near the coach
Drill Instructions
- Divide players into two teams (yellow and blue) and assign each team a goal to defend.
- Play begins with a kickoff or coach's pass-in.
- Teams compete 3v3, working to score while defending their goal.
- After 1-2 minutes, rotate one player from each team off and a new player on to keep legs fresh.
- If there are 12 or more players, run a second 3v3 game, rotating teams every 3-4 minutes.
- Play continues with quick rotations, ensuring all players get equal playtime.
Drill Variations
- Touch Restriction: Limit players to two touches to encourage faster play.
- Weaker Foot Challenge: Players must shoot using their weaker foot.
- Man-Marking Challenge: Each player must mark a specific opponent at all times.
- Bonus Points: Award an extra point for a goal scored after three consecutive passes.
- Different Scoring Zones: Require players to shoot from inside a designated area for a goal to count.
Drill Coaching Points
This fast-paced drill simulates real-game situations, enhances player development in both attack and defense, and keeps players engaged with constant movement and rotations.
- Encourage Quick Decision-Making: Players must react fast in attacking and defensive situations.
- Support & Movement Off the Ball: Players should create passing options and space.
- Defensive Organization: Defenders must communicate and work as a unit.
- Transition Play: Quickly transition from defense to attack and vice versa.
- Finishing Under Pressure: Players should take quick, accurate shots when opportunities arise.
Equipment
- Disc Cones/Markers - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- BowNet Goal - 4'x6' BowNet Goal
Drill Ages
- 4 - U4, Under 4, 4 and Under
- 5 - U5, Under 5, 5 and Under
- 6 - U6, Under 6, 6 and Under
- 7 - U7, Under 7, 7 and Under
- 8 - U8, Under 8, 8 and Under
- 9 - U9, Under 9, 9 and Under
- 10 - U10, Under 10, 10 and Under
- 11 - U11, Under 11, 11 and Under
- 12 - U12, Under 12, 12 and Under
- 13 - U13, Under 13, 13 and Under
- 14 - U14, Under 14, 14 and Under
- 15 - U15, Under 15, 15 and Under
- 16 - U16, Under 16, 16 and Under
- 17 + - U17, U18, U19, U20, and Older
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