Written by Dave Clarke
3v3 Counter-Attack Transition Drill
Develop decision-making, quick transitions, and team coordination in a high-intensity, game-relevant 3v3 attacking and counter-attacking drill.
Coaching Objectives
Train players to exploit attacking opportunities, improve defensive organization, and transition effectively between attack and defense.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 12 Players
- 1 main 2 target Goals
- 4 sets Bibs
- 15 x 35 y
Technique Tips
- Attackers: Focus on quick passing, movement off the ball, and exploiting defensive gaps.
- Defenders: Maintain shape, delay attackers, and look for opportunities to counterattack.
What the Players Do
Time: 20-25 minutes Area: 15 yards wide by 35 yards deep Players: Groups of 3 or 4, rotating roles Equipment: One main goal, two small target goals, cones, balls, bibs Goalkeeper:…Switch Play and Counter-attack Transition
Encourage structured play, switching zones, counter-pressing, and counter-attacking in a dynamic, game-realistic setting.
Coaching Objectives
Develop players' ability to transition quickly between defense and attack, switch play effectively, and maintain tactical discipline under pressure.
Drill Setup
- 30 Mins
- 15 Players
- 15 Bibs
- 35x30 y
Technique Tips
- Switching Play:
- Use diagonal passes to quickly exploit space in the opposite zone.
- Encourage receiving players to position their bodies to play forward immediately.
- Counter-Pressing:
- Closest player to the ball applies immediate pressure while teammates block passing lanes.
- Positioning:
- Maintain compactness when defending, but ensure width and depth when in possession.
What the Players Do
Create a 3v3 at each end of a 35x30 area with a 5-yard zone in the centre. Aim of the game is for the target player to play into possession …Break Through the Thirds
This drill is all about team play, knowing how to move the ball through the pitch from defenders all the way to attackers
Coaching Objectives
ATTACKING
- Dribble using the leg furthest away from the defender and try to use the outside of the foot
- Try to take the defender into areas that are more attacking to take the initiative
- Use feints and skills to create space and give time on the ball
- Finish on goal as soon as possible
- Movement is key to keeping the defender at bay
DEFENDING
- Position the body sideways so reaction speed is faster
- Be on balls of feet so reaction also quicker
- Use defensive feints to trouble the attacker and cause mistakes
- When attacker is close eyes on ball not on player
- Don't jump in and make it easier for the attacker
- If beaten by the attacker's skill sprint to the goal to defend it
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 9 Players
- 4 Bibs
- 25x25 y
Technique Tips
- Defenders: Use quick, precise dribbling to escape pressure and find passing options.
- Attackers: Work on positioning to exploit the overload and support teammates effectively.
- Focus on the first touch to control the ball and set up for the next action.
- Keep scanning the field to identify space and opportunities.
What the Players Do
Set up by using an area 25x25 yards, with a 10x5 yard zone at one end and a 2-yard zone at the other. You need balls, bibs and cones. Split your players in to one team of 4 and one of 5 with a…Continue Reading For Free
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