3-on-2 with Midfield Help

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Decision Making, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd, Crumb.

Purpose

Using the advantage of extra numbers around the contest, players must find a way to work the ball to a free player, who provides the releasing kick. A classic 3-on-2 break from defence, with the additional support of a shadowed midfielder.

Players

18⁺

Ages

13⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

110m

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 5

Setup
Assign 1 midfielder as (A) and 1 defender to shadow that player. Assign a pair of red defenders to guard (B), (C), (D), plus a second pair to guard (E), (F), (G). Rest of the players - even numbers behind (B to G)
Step 1
(B), (C) and (D) start and run the ball out of defence with handball by making space and drawing players.
Step 2
Once either (B), (C) or (D) is past the defenders, they can either find (A) with a kick or handball if that player is open, or carry the ball themself. If used, (A) can either feed the ball back to (B), (C) or (D) who are running through, or use the space themself

(A) will be shadowed by a defender, so only use this player if open or you've drawn their defender

(A)'s defender needs to approach the ball carrier at some stage rather than letting them run uncontested
Step 3
(A) (B) (C) or (D) kicks to the player in best position out of (E) (F) and (G) in the centre. If under no pressure the middle player is the best option.

If the kick fails to hit a leading target, this is considered a turnover.

(A) and their defender prepare for the next contest

(B), (C) and (D) join stations (E) (F) (G).
Step 4
(E) (F) and (G) repeat the same back the other way, also harassed by 2 defenders, assisted by (A) and pressured by (A)'s defender. This time (E), (F) or (G) take a shot on goal.
Step 5
Swap (A) and their defender after several efforts.