3v2 to 2v1 Counter-Attack Waves
Three attackers attack two defenders. As soon as the attack ends, the two defenders counter-attack the other goal against the one attacker who took the shot.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 9–15
- Duration
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 50 × 30 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Attacking transition, Defensive transition, Decision making
- Physical: Speed
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shooting
- Tactical:Numerical superiorityCounter-attackRecovery runs
- Physical:Acceleration
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
This continuous game connects attacking an overload with the transition that follows. The attacking trio must finish quickly; then the defenders become attackers and break at speed while the shooter has to recover. Every repetition trains both transitions, and the waves keep everyone involved.
Objective
Attack a numerical advantage quickly and finish; then react to the transition, both as the counter-attacking team and as the recovering player.
Organisation
- 50 × 30 m area with a full-size goal and goalkeeper at each end.
- Groups of three attackers at the halfway line; pairs of defenders waiting beside the right-hand goal.
How it works
- Three attackers start from the halfway line and attack the right goal against two defenders (3v2).
- When the attack ends (goal, save or ball out), the two defenders immediately attack the left goal.
- The attacker who shot (or last touched the ball) must recover and defend alone: 2v1.
- The other two attackers leave the pitch and join the defending queue.
- A new trio starts as soon as the 2v1 ends.
Coaching points
- 3v2: attack at speed before the defence organises; the central player commits a defender.
- Wide attackers stay wide to stretch the two defenders.
- Defenders: delay and protect the middle; one presses, one covers.
- In the counter, the first pass forward must be quick — look for the space behind the recovering player.
- Recovering player: sprint back goal-side first, then delay.
Progressions
- The 2v1 becomes 2v2 if a second attacker recovers within 3 seconds.
- Attacks must be completed within 8 seconds.
Regressions
- Shorter pitch (40 m).
- Remove the recovering player: the counter is 2v0 to goal.
Variations
- 4v3 to 3v2 for older groups.
Key principles
- Speed in the overload.
- Immediate transition.
- Recover goal-side.
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