Objective of the Drill:

The objective of this drill is to improve team possession, passing accuracy, and building attacking play under pressure. The players will work on creating passing options, maintaining fluid movement, and building up play to score through one of the 4 small goals positioned outside the square. The drill emphasizes quick transitions, decision-making, and team coordination.

Pitch Setup:

Dimensions: A square playing area (e.g., 25×25 meters).

Goals:

• 4 small goals are positioned on each side of the square, one on each of the four lines.

Equipment:

• 4 small goals
• cones for boundary marking
• 1 ball
• bibs for teams.

Player Setup:

Attacking Team (3 outfield players + 2 neutral players):

• 3 outfield players inside the square + 2 neutral players inside the square. The neutral players are positioned to support the team with possession, offering passing options.

Defending Team (3 players):

• 3 outfield players tasked with defending and preventing the attacking team from scoring on the small goals.

Drill Description:

Objective of the Game:

• The attacking team (3 outfield players + 2 neutral players) works on building up the attack by passing the ball around and aiming to score in one of the 4 small goals.
• Neutral Players’ Role: The 2 neutral players, positioned inside the square, are only allowed to support the team with possession, offering passing options but can play with one touch.
• Defending Team’s Role: The 3 defenders are tasked with preventing the attacking team from scoring and maintaining pressure on the ball.
• Scoring Condition: The attacking team can only score after making 5 consecutive passes.

Attacking Team’s Mechanics:

• Build-Up Play: The 3 attacking players inside the square look to move the ball around while creating passing lanes and looking for the 2 neutral players inside the square.
• Use of Neutral Players: The 2 neutral players are there to support the team with possession by offering passing options inside the square, but they can only play with one touch.
• Creating Scoring Opportunities: The team aims to make 5 passes before they can score, looking to pass the ball to one of the 2 neutral players, then play through to score at one of the 4 small goals.
• Transition to Defense: If the defending team wins possession, they transition immediately to attack.

Defending Team’s Mechanics:

• Pressuring the Ball: The 3 defending players press to prevent the attacking team from completing 5 passes. They aim to disrupt the rhythm and create mistakes to win back the ball.
• Defending Small Goals: The defenders also need to prevent the attackers from getting through the small goals. This requires good positioning, communication, and pressing.
• Quick Transition: Once the defenders win the ball, they transition into attack by passing to the neutral players on the inside and aiming to create their own scoring opportunities.

Scoring

• Attackers: The attacking team scores by passing the ball through one of the 4 small goals, but only after completing 5 passes.
• Defenders: The defending team scores if they win possession and manage to score through one of the 4 small goals.

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration: 3-5 rounds of 4-5 minutes with 1-2 minute breaks between rounds.
• Intensity: Moderate to high, with an emphasis on quick passing, movement, and transitions.

Coaching Points:

For the Attacking Team:

• Possession and Build-up: Encourage fluid ball movement and quick passing to reach the 5-pass goal before trying to score.
• Movement and Support: Players should make runs to offer themselves as options for the ball carrier. The neutral players should always be available for a pass but maintain their positions inside the square.
• Patience: Stress the importance of patience and decision-making, making sure to complete the 5 passes before looking to score.
• Creating Space: Use movement to pull defenders out of position and create space for scoring opportunities.

For the Defending Team:

• Pressing and Pressure: Defenders need to press effectively, disrupt the passing rhythm, and force mistakes.
• Defending Goals: The defenders need to block the small goals and stop the attackers from getting through. They should always be alert to the attackers’ positioning.
• Transition to Attack: Defenders should look to transition quickly into attack after winning possession, passing to the neutral players on the inside for a potential quick scoring chance.

Key Points for Players:

For Attackers:

• Focus on maintaining possession, creating options, and making quick, accurate passes.
• Use quick ball circulation and make intelligent runs to pull defenders out of position.
• Be patient, and only attempt to score after completing 5 passes.

For Defenders:

• Press high and aggressively to prevent the 5 passes from being completed.
• Stay compact and cover the small goals.
• Transition quickly to attack when the ball is won, using the neutral players to support the build-up.

Variations:

1. Limit Attacker’s Touches: Restrict the number of touches per attacking player (e.g., 2 or 3 touches) to increase tempo and make the drill more dynamic.
2. Add More Neutral Players: Increase the number of neutral players inside the square to create more options and encourage faster ball circulation.
3. Change the Passing Requirement: Instead of 5 passes, increase or decrease the number of passes required to score to increase the difficulty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Slow or Predictable Passing: Attackers should avoid slow ball movement and predictable passing, which allows defenders to anticipate passes and intercept.
• Defenders Not Pressing Effectively: Defenders must avoid giving the attackers time and space to complete their passes. They should pressure the ball and disrupt the build-up.
• Lack of Movement Off the Ball: Attacking players should always be moving and offering passing options, rather than standing still.

Progression Tips:

• Increase the number of defenders to make it more challenging for the attacking team to complete the required number of passes.
• Allow the defending team to score after a certain number of passes to make the drill more competitive and practice transition play.
• Add restrictive zones where players can only score after entering specific areas of the field to increase tactical awareness and improve offensive build-up play.

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill replicates real match situations where teams need to build possession, find passing lanes, and look for opportunities to score. It also simulates defensive pressing, quick transitions, and strategic positioning. The focus on passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and team coordination makes this drill ideal for improving overall team play, attacking combinations, and defensive organization.

Download the .xml file of this training and customize it to your needs with Once Sport Coach Board

Lyon_SSG_3v3+2_on_4_small_goals_by_Pierre_Sage_2