Three-On-One

Soccer drill procedure

Coaches can sometimes be unfair – and that’s exactly what’s required in this drill. Pass the ball to one specific player, who then has to hold his own against one player and later, in the second variation of the drill, against three.

Different movements can be used when running between the cone markers. At first glance, this drill looks simpler than it actually is.

Description

On the right and the left hand side of the goal, a row of cone markers is set up. Another possibility is to set up two rows on each side, so that the players in the three-on-one variant have more room, allowing them to perform a wider variety of manoeuvres.

1. One player starts on each side. He crosses through the row of markers; the animation explains exactly how. After the players have reached the last marker, the coach passes the ball directly into the path of one of the players. The player without a ball immediately starts to play the role of defender, and tries to stop a goal from being scored.

2. The procedure is similar to the one described in 1. In this variation, four players start to move through the row of markers. Each one tries to get the ball, and the players without a ball become defenders.

Variations

- Two rows of markers on each side of the goal
- Movement instructions such as: run backwards, sidesteps, or hopping

Soccer coach tips

- Be unfair; pass to one player
- Don’t let the one-on-one play last for too long

Organisation of the soccer training drill

Category: Advanced training, children’s training, youth training, seniors
Minimum group size: 4, one goalkeeper
Maximum group size: 12, one goalkeeper
Materials required: Enough balls, eight cone markers, one goal
Field size: The players need space for one-on-one play; the ends of the rows of markers should not be too close to the goal.