Purpose:

Develops defenders’ abilities to work together and limit quality chances on goal when there are more attackers than defenders. This activity replicates a counter-attacking situation, or anytime there are more attackers than defenders. Defenders improve their positioning, timing, and tackling skills. Attackers increase their decision-making and finishing at high speeds.

Setup:

• One full-sized goal is needed.
• Position one goalkeeper in goal. If there are extra goalkeepers, have them stand to the side of the goal and rotate in every 2-3 repetitions.
• Place three cones 15-20 yards away from the top of the penalty box. There should be 15 yards of space between each cone and the cones should be parallel to the half-line. See diagram for more information.
• Using cones, extend the outside penalty box lines all the way to the three cones. These will be the boundary lines for the activity.
• Have the players divide evenly, and form lines behind the three cones near the half-line. These will be the attackers.
• Pick 6 players to start as defenders and assign them to a jersey color. Have two defenders start 5 yards in front of the penalty box while the other four defenders rest outside of the boundary lines. Two new defenders rotate in after each turn.
• All the soccer balls start with the center-cone attackers.
• The first player in each attacking line works together with the attacker on the center-cone starting with the ball.
• Decide on the number of rounds and the time for each round. 3-4 rounds of 4-6 minutes is suggested.

Instructions:

1. To start, the attacker in the middle, starts dribbling towards goal while the other two attackers move forward on each side. The three attackers are free to dribble, pass, and move in any way to beat the defenders and score.
2. Once the attackers start moving, the goalkeeper and defenders work together to prevent the attackers from scoring, or creating a quality chance on goal. Defenders are free to tackle and block attackers when possible.
3. The turn is over when the attackers score, the defenders win the ball, or the ball goes out-of-bounds for any reason.
4. As soon as the turn is over, the two defenders and three attackers quickly run off the field while two new defenders run on. Once the two new defenders are set, the next three attackers start their attempt to score.
5. The activity continues until the round is over. After each round, collect any lost soccer balls, and select six new defenders before beginning the next round.
6. Complete 3-4 rounds of 4-6 minutes.

Variations:

Width and Length – Depending on the players’ age and skill level, increase, or decrease, the boundaries to allow for more, or less, space to attack and defend.

4-on-3 – Change the situation by adding one more attacker and defender. Adjust the width of the boundaries to allow for the new players.

Coaching Points:

• Educate the defenders to work together and eliminate the third player by using good body positioning to cut off passing angles. Forcing the player on the ball towards the other defending and cutting off passing angles to the third player allows the defenders to player 2-on-2.
• Teach the defenders to close down space when a pass is made.
• Remind the defenders to maintain balance and proper footwork to prevent the attackers from pushing the ball past them easily. Defenders should not reach for the ball, but rather time their tackles to be sure they will win the ball.
• Demand that the goalkeepers talk to their defenders and give them defensive instructions.
• Challenge the attackers to make it as difficult on the defenders as possible. Attackers should run at the defenders at pace and be decisive with their decisions and moves.