Grid Work in Groups of Three

Field size: 30 yards by 20 yards

Number of players: full team; split up into groups of 5

Age range: 14-16

Description: Players work in groups of three and try to beat two defenders and get across to the other side of a grid or playing area. Rotate defenders after a period of time or up to a certain score. One player from the group of three must dribble across the line to score a point. Players work on give and goes, wall passes and dribbling exchanges to get the ball across to the end line. To score, offensive player has to stop the ball on the line. If the defense wins the ball and dribbles to the opposite side and stops the ball on the line then they earn two points.

Later, setup an end zone where players can serve the ball in and if the receiver controls the ball they earn a point. The team that scores turns and goes in the other direction – make it so the teams have to connect two passes in the end zone to score a point or the entire team has to be in the end zone to score – this way you’re working on combination play and moving up as a unit to support one another.

Try 4 versus 2 or 5 versus 3 after the players are adept at the 3 versus 2.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.