Soccer Attacking Drill
3v2 to Goal
Three attackers take on two defenders and a keeper. Spread out, pull a defender in, pass to the free player and score fast.
Step 1 of 7
1, 2 and 3 attack D1, D2 and the GK. 4, 5 and 6 wait. If the defenders win it, they counter through a gate.
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 6–9
- Ages
- 8–16U9–U17
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Passing
- Shooting
- Defending
Set up
- Use half the field and one goal with a keeper.
- Put two small gates, about 4 yards wide, on the halfway line near each sideline.
- Two defenders start near the top of the box. Attackers wait at halfway in groups of three. The coach keeps the balls.
- Space
- Half field with one goal
- You need
- 1 goal · 4 cones for 2 small gates · Lots of balls · Pinnies for the defenders
How to play
- The middle attacker starts with the ball and dribbles at the defenders.
- The two outside attackers spread wide and run forward.
- Pull a defender toward the ball, then pass to the free player.
- Finish within about 10 seconds. The coach counts out loud.
- If the defenders or the keeper win the ball, the defenders counter and try to dribble or pass through a gate at halfway.
- As soon as a wave ends, the next three go. Swap the defenders every 3 or 4 waves.
Coaching points
- Spread wide. Make the field big so two defenders cannot cover three players.
- Dribble straight at a defender to make them step in, then pass.
- Look up before you pass and find the player nobody is marking.
- Attack the goal fast, with one runner to the near post and one to the far post.
- Defenders: stay between the ball and the goal and push the attack to the side.
Easier
Play 3 v 1 so the free player is easy to find, or give the attackers more time.
Harder
Add a defender who chases from halfway when the wave starts, or give the attackers only 6 seconds to score.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put 3v2 to Goal in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.