SoccerXpert Soccer Drills

4v3 Attack vs. Defense

Soccer Drill Diagram: 4v3 Attack vs. Defense
4V3 ATTACK VS DEFENSE
Drill Equipment

Disc Cones/Markers, Scrimmage Vests, Soccer Balls, Full-Size Goal

Drill Quick Glance
Age: 9+ Field: 30X30
Players: 8+ Focus: ATTACKING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: YES Team
Rating: 4.18 / 5 Views: 379,909
Published: 12/7/2005 Author: Chris Johnson

This attacking soccer drill is a great drill to focus on finishing. Since the attackers have the numerical advantage, they should learn how to exploit their advantage and finish with a shot on goal.

Drill setup
  1. Set up a 30 X 30 grid with one side playing to goal. 
  2. Coach assigns 3 defenders who wear an alternate jersey. 
  3. The attackers begin with the ball. 
  4. Place a keeper in goal.
Drill Coaching Points

Offensive:

  • Quickly switch the point of attack to off-balance the defense.
  • Play quick both physically (1 and 2 touch) and mentally (think ahead).
  • Make sure the players are attacking at the appropriate times

Defensive:

  • Contain the play and keep the ball in front of the defense.
  • Early pressure and do not allow space behind the defenders.
Drill Instructions
  1. Instruct the players to exploit their numerical advantage and finish with a shot on goal.
  2. Attackers should move the ball looking for the open player and holes in the defense.
  3. Defenders should attempt to break-down the attack and to gain experience in how to cover a man-down situation. 
  4. Defensive players should complete a pass to the coach to end the attack.
  5. The coach should then give the ball back to the attackers to build the attack again.
Drill Variations
  • Increase the number of attackers (or decrease the number of defenders) if scoring chances are infrequent.
  • Increase the number of defenders (or decrease the number of attackers) if scoring chances are too frequent
Drill Focus

Dribbling, Passing, Receiving, Crossing, Defending, Attacking, Shooting, Goalkeeping