Direction of run. Shot at goal under pressure. One against one. Dribbling. 3 attackers play inside the penalty area (red) against 3 defenders (white). 3 sup-porting players (grey)
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
8m
18m
18m
16m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up rondo — 3 x 1 against 1
8:00
Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.
Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.
Coaching points
Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
Add directional constraints.
Regressions
Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Whole game · 18 mins
Conditioned game — 3 x 1 against 1
18:00
Directional game with a condition that makes 3 x 1 against 1 the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.
Coaching points
Recognise when 3 x 1 against 1 is on.
In possession: create and use space.
Out of possession: organise early.
Progressions
Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
Add a neutral / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins
3 x 1 against 1
18:00
Direction of run. Shot at goal under pressure. One against one. Dribbling. 3 attackers play inside the penalty area (red) against 3 defenders (white). 3 sup-porting players (grey) try to play to a player (red) (1) who then plays one against one against a defender (white). Passing is not allowed and player has to succeed alone (2). By loss of ball possession the defender (white) has to play a backpass to the supporting player. Coaching
Offense: Change of rhythm. Seek consequently the shot on goal. Self-assertion. Defence: Backwards tracking. Divert the striker away from goal.
Variations
A back pass from white has to follow with a direct shot on goal. These scored goals count for team white.
Progressions
Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Game · 16 mins
Transfer game — 3 x 1 against 1
16:00
Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from 3 x 1 against 1.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.
Coaching points
Catch them being good when the theme appears.
Manage challenge vs success live.
Progressions
Remove all conditions.
Regressions
Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Team huddle.
Coaching points
Link back to Four Corners and next session.
Related drills
Drill 72
Race > Pass > 1v1:
First 2 players race through their cones and when they get to the end they try and pass the ball to the ball resting on the cone – 1 point for knocking it off.
As soon as they’ve made the pass a coach releases a ball into the middle and they have a 1v1 against the other team where they can get ANOTHER point for scoring.
Next 2 go after
8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).
Set up three teams of 4 in different bibs
Two teams attack the goals and play against each other.
The third team acts as neutral team and plays for who ever has possession of the ball.
Relax when we have the ball. You have a massive overload. Spot the opportunities to play one touch.
Progression
Teams play 8v4 with defending team needing to win the ball and then being able to attack the team which had possession must then defend.
Look to make the pitch as big as possible when in possession. The four defenders need to work together to regain the ball
Technique when passing and moving the ball (to feet or space). Take the ball into space away from pressure.
3v3 inside the circle with bounce players on the outside
2 touch If possible
Which team of 3 can get the most passes
Movement to get into position after passing
Players outside cant be tackled but passes can be intercepted
2 teams inside playing “keep-ball”
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
Objective is to make as many passes as you can, whichever team is in possession can use the players on the outside for “bounce/wall passes”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Switch teams from outside to replace inside team when ball is lost.
3v3+3 (+5 with coaches)
4v4 inside the circle with bounce players on the outside
2 touch If possible
Which team of 3 can get the most passes
Movement to get into position after passing
Players outside cant be tackled but passes can be intercepted
2 teams inside playing “keep-ball”
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
Objective is to make as many passes as you can, whichever team is in possession can use the players on the outside for “bounce/wall passes”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Can you get the ball from coach to coach multiple times?
4v4 + coaches