Session drill · 18 seconds
Defence versus Attack
Three attackers against three defenders on a half pitch, with a feeder starting every go and a keeper in the main goal. The coach or a player feeds the ball in to start the attack, the three attackers try to break the defence down and score, the three defenders protect the goal and try to win the ball back, and when they win it they play out to the small goals. The attackers try to break the defence down and score; the defenders stay compact, shift together towards the ball, delay, and try to win it back. When they do win it they counter into the two small goals at the halfway line, so there is something to play for at both ends and the transition is live. The video shows three goes: a first-time combination where the forward sets it wide and spins round the back of the centre back to run onto a ball slid in behind, the same attack worked down the wing for a cross and a header at the back post, and the defence stepping in to nick it and breaking out into the small goals.
Instructions
- Play forward, first time, so the defence never gets set
- Peel round the back of your defender to get in behind
- Wingers get to the back post, late, for the cross
- Defenders shift together towards the ball, then win it
- Win it and counter fast into the small goals
Variation
- Two touches for the attackers, then one. Ten seconds to score. Feeder one touch only, so the attackers make the chance themselves. Second ball straight in after a shot, so the transition is live. Run a set number of goes, or a time, then swap the attacking and defending groups so everyone does both jobs.
Building lineups in seconds
Set your team sheet, plan your substitutions, and share it with the parents before you leave the car park.
