3v2 waves with flying changes and continuous transition
Three attackers against two defenders between two goals with keepers: if they score they get another ball and attack the opposite goal; if not, the two defenders plus a team-mate become the attackers. No pauses between changes.
Step 13v2 al ataque
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Tres rojos atacan la portería derecha contra dos azules; el portero detiene el tiro.
Objective
Work on immediate attack-to-defence and defence-to-attack transitions in overload and underload, with quick passing and shooting decisions and correct attacking and defending shape in every wave.
Organisation
35x40-yard pitch with a full-size goal at each end and a keeper in each, with a supply of balls. Two teams (red and blue) waiting at the centre of each sideline, marked with a cone. Keepers must always have balls at hand so play never stops.
Development
- 1Three reds enter with a ball from their cone and attack the right-hand goal; two blues step out to defend.
- 2If the reds score, the keeper hands them a new ball and the same three immediately attack the opposite goal; the two blues exit and two fresh blues come in to defend.
- 3If the reds fail to score (save, miss or turnover), the two blues become attackers and a third blue enters from their cone to form a 3v2 towards the other goal; two new reds come in to defend and the previous three reds exit.
- 4No pauses between changes: the keeper distributes as soon as he has the ball.
- 5Most goals after 8-10 minutes wins; swap sides halfway through.
Coaching points4
- Change of direction and speed of play: the moment possession changes, attack the other goal without hesitation.
- The three attackers occupy three lanes (left, centre, right) to split the two defenders.
- The two defenders organise as pressure and cover: one slows the carrier, the other protects the middle.
- Decide fast: if the defender steps to the carrier, pass; if he holds, drive and shoot.
Common mistakes3
- Attackers bunching in the middle and making the 3v2 easy to defend.
- Both defenders going to the ball and leaving the third attacker free.
- Players entering late from the cone and breaking the flow of the drill.
Variations3
- 4v3 for larger groups.
- Limit each wave to 10 seconds to force vertical play.
- The defender who wins the ball may finish alone only within 5 seconds: the other two must join.
Progressions2
- Add a recovering defender who enters 3 seconds later: the 3v2 becomes 3v3.
- Two-touch maximum for the attackers in the opposition half.
Regressions2
- 3v1 with the defender starting from the goal line.
- Shorter pitch (25x30 m) for U12.
Tips
- Place the entry cones exactly at the centre of each sideline so entries are equidistant from both goals.
- The coach calls the change with one short word so nobody doubts who comes in.