Possession in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play (3v3+3)
Positional game for U17: 40x40 m square divided into four 20x20 m zones. Two teams of eight and five neutrals. In the active zone a 3v3+3 is played and, after 8-10 passes, the team in possession must switch play to another zone.
El equipo rojo mantiene la posesión con los tres comodines hasta llegar a 8-10 pases.
Objective
Keep possession with an overload, recognise the moment to switch play and execute it accurately, and reorganise quickly in the new zone both in attack and in defence.
Organisation
40x40 m square divided into four equal 20x20 m zones with cones. Two teams of eight in bibs and five yellow neutrals who always play with the team in possession. In the active zone: three attackers, three defenders and three neutrals; the remaining players spread across the other three zones waiting for the switch. Coach with balls to start play.
Development
- 1The coach serves into one zone, where a 3v3 is played with three neutrals supporting the team in possession.
- 2After 8-10 consecutive passes the team in possession must switch play with a pass to a team-mate in another zone; a new 3v3+3 forms there with the waiting players and the neutrals who move across.
- 3The surplus defenders from the previous zone reposition in the free zones; a successful switch scores a point.
- 4If the defending team wins the ball they become the possession team in that same zone and start counting their passes.
- 5Five-minute sets, 20 minutes in total; the team with the most completed switches wins.
Coaching points4
- Count passes out loud and prepare the switch: the receiver in the other zone must already be open.
- Switch with a firm ground pass, or lofted only if the corridor is closed.
- Neutrals move as soon as the switch travels to give an immediate overload in the new zone.
- Defenders press as a block of three: one to the ball, two closing the switch pass.
Common mistakes3
- Switching too early, before the defenders have been drawn in.
- Players in the waiting zones standing still with their back to play.
- Neutrals arriving late and leaving a 3v3 without an overload.
Variations3
- Mandatory switch only to the diagonal zone.
- Defenders may bring in a fourth player from the neighbouring zone.
- Switch after 6 passes for advanced groups.
Progressions2
- Two touches maximum in the active zone.
- Reduce the zones to 15x15 m.
Regressions2
- Enlarge to 45x45 m with unlimited touches.
- No defenders chasing the switch: the new zone starts with a static 3v3+3.
Tips
- Three clearly visible bib colours: two teams and neutrals.
- An assistant counting passes in each zone helps enforce the rule.