3v1 Attack to Goal
Three attackers start together and attack one defender and a goalkeeper. With a big advantage, the task is to choose the free player and finish.
- Age
- U9–U14
- Players
- 6–14
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 25 × 20 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Combination play, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shooting
- Tactical:Numerical superioritySupport playWidth
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
A 3v1 should almost always end in a shot. For young players, it teaches the basics of attacking together: one player carries the ball, the other two spread out to give width, and the ball goes to whoever is free. Keep the queue short so players attack often.
Objective
Attack together with width and pass to the free teammate to finish.
Organisation
- 25 × 20 m in front of a goal (size for the age group) with a goalkeeper.
- One defender 10 m from goal. Attackers in groups of three at the start line.
How it works
- The middle attacker starts with the ball; the three attack together.
- 10 seconds to score.
- The defender changes every 4 attacks; the scorer collects the ball.
Coaching points
- Spread out: one on each side, one in the middle.
- Carry the ball at the defender, then pass to the free side.
- Shoot as soon as you can see the goal.
Progressions
- Add a second defender (3v2).
- Only first-time finishes.
Regressions
- Defender may only walk.
Variations
- Defender starts behind the attackers and recovers.
Key principles
- Spread out, find the free player.
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