Free practice Small Sided Games · Defending
Munich 3v3 Small Sided Game
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Develop quick counter-attacks and recovery defending during temporary changes in player numbers.
How it works
This 3v3 game creates a brief attacking advantage after each goal. The goalscorer leaves play temporarily, giving the team that conceded a chance to respond quickly.
• Teams compete in a normal 3v3 and look to create scoring opportunities.
• Whenever a player scores, they leave the grid and sprint around either outside pole.
• The team that conceded attacks with a temporary 3v2 advantage.
• The two remaining defenders work together to delay the attack while their teammate recovers.
• The goalscorer re-enters after rounding the pole, restoring the 3v3 until the next goal.
Develop quick counter-attacks and recovery defending during temporary changes in player numbers.
How it works
This 3v3 game creates a brief attacking advantage after each goal. The goalscorer leaves play temporarily, giving the team that conceded a chance to respond quickly.
• Teams compete in a normal 3v3 and look to create scoring opportunities.
• Whenever a player scores, they leave the grid and sprint around either outside pole.
• The team that conceded attacks with a temporary 3v2 advantage.
• The two remaining defenders work together to delay the attack while their teammate recovers.
• The goalscorer re-enters after rounding the pole, restoring the 3v3 until the next goal.
Coaching points
• Quick Recovery and Transitions – Players should focus on recovering quickly after scoring by sprinting around the poles. The faster they recover, the better positioned they’ll be to defend against a quick counterattack.
• Exploiting Overloads – Teams with a numerical advantage (3v2) should look to exploit the overload by creating space and focusing on quick passing to break down the opposition’s defense.
• Defensive Awareness in Transition – Defenders must stay alert and organized, especially when the opposing team is working with an overload. Anticipating passes and staying compact is key to handling these brief moments of vulnerability.
• Maximizing Effort – Encourage players to put in maximum effort, both in terms of recovering quickly and maintaining intensity throughout the game. The effort to recover will directly impact the team’s ability to score and defend effectively.
• Exploiting Overloads – Teams with a numerical advantage (3v2) should look to exploit the overload by creating space and focusing on quick passing to break down the opposition’s defense.
• Defensive Awareness in Transition – Defenders must stay alert and organized, especially when the opposing team is working with an overload. Anticipating passes and staying compact is key to handling these brief moments of vulnerability.
• Maximizing Effort – Encourage players to put in maximum effort, both in terms of recovering quickly and maintaining intensity throughout the game. The effort to recover will directly impact the team’s ability to score and defend effectively.
Progression 1
Add a Time Limit for Recovery
Set a time limit within which the goal scorer must complete their recovery around the poles before re-entering the grid.
Focus: Increases the intensity of the recovery phase, encouraging faster transitions and higher work rate from players.
Set a time limit within which the goal scorer must complete their recovery around the poles before re-entering the grid.
Focus: Increases the intensity of the recovery phase, encouraging faster transitions and higher work rate from players.
Progression 2
Increase the Number of Overloads
Introduce a second player who also exits the grid after a goal is scored, increasing the number of overloads.
Focus: Adds further pressure on the defending team to transition and recover quickly, simulating more chaotic moments in a match.
Introduce a second player who also exits the grid after a goal is scored, increasing the number of overloads.
Focus: Adds further pressure on the defending team to transition and recover quickly, simulating more chaotic moments in a match.
