Directional Three Versus Two

Field size: 30 yards by 20 yards

Number of players: at least five players

Age range: 14-16

Description: Three players try to move the ball from one side of the grid to the other against two defenders.  Players should work on finding the open player and then on defenders try pushing the player with the ball to one side and closing off the option to the third player. The defense wants to contain while the offense wants to spread the ball around and open things up.  

If the three players score a goal they turn and go in the other direction.  If defensive team wins the ball then they add on one more player and the attacking team takes a player off, essentially just switching roles from defense to offense.  Start out playing unlimited touches and then move to two touches as the game progresses.

Focus on combination play: overlaps, wall passes and give and goes. The key in this drill is to get the ball wide and stretch the defense. For the defenders, again, they want to close off one side of the field and make the game two versus two. They try to eliminate the third attacking player.

Later, add in two small goals at the far ends of each side, so four small goals. This is to encourage the players to get the ball wide and switch the ball from one side to the other.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.