3v3 with corner end zones
Themed 3v3 game in 25x20 m with four 2x2 m squares in the corners: score by dribbling the ball into one of the two opposition zones, no offside and unlimited touches.
Step 1Triángulo
1 / 3
El 1 pasa al 2; el 3 se ofrece en diagonal y el defensor 2 presiona el balón.
Objective
Work on running with the ball and decision making in equal and overload situations: possession triangles, two passing options for the ball carrier and collective defending of two targets spread across the width.
Organisation
25x20 m rectangle marked with discs. Four 2x2 m squares in the corners marked with cones. Two teams of three in bibs; balls outside the perimeter. The red team attacks the two squares on one short side and the blue team the ones on the other. Two 6-minute sets with 1'30" recovery.
Development
- 1The team in possession tries to dribble the ball into one of the two opposition end zones; only entering with the ball under control counts, you cannot pass to a team-mate waiting inside.
- 2Defenders can only act in the central area: they cannot enter their own end zones to protect them.
- 3No offside and unlimited touches. After a goal the ball goes to the defending team, restarting from their end line.
- 4In possession, form triangles with the ball carrier at the bottom vertex, always offer two passing options and move quickly after passing.
- 5In defence, cooperate: the nearest player presses, the other two cover the two squares without leaving either free.
- 6If the ball goes out, kick-in restart.
Coaching points4
- Prioritise the forward pass over the backward pass.
- No players in a straight line: two angled passing options for the ball carrier.
- Change pace and direction in the 1v1 to get into the zone.
- In defence, share responsibilities: every end zone has an owner.
Common mistakes3
- Waiting inside the end zone to receive the ball.
- All three defenders crowd the ball and leave the far square free.
- Dribbling towards the zone with the head down, missing the free team-mate.
Variations3
- Also score with a pass to a team-mate running into the zone.
- Double points for a goal in the far zone after a switch of play.
- Play 3v3+1 floater to favour the attacking team's overload.
Progressions2
- Enlarge to 4v4 in 30x25 m with the same zones.
- Allow one defender into the end zone only once the ball is already inside.
Regressions2
- Increase the zones to 3x3 m to make entry easier.
- Reduce to 2v2 with two zones per team.
Tips
- Use different cone colours for each team in the corners.
- Count the goals out loud to keep the competition alive.