Mark out 3 (20 x 20 meter) fields. Each has three attackers. The defence con-sists of four defenders and two midfielders, distributed across the entire width of the field. Attacker
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 — 3v2 + 2 Midfielders
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 — 3v2 + 2 Midfielders
18:00
Directional game with a condition that makes 3v2 + 2 midfielders the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.
Coaching points
Recognise when 3v2 + 2 midfielders 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
3v2 + 2 Midfielders
18:00
Mark out 3 (20 x 20 meter) fields. Each has three attackers. The defence con-sists of four defenders and two midfielders, distributed across the entire width of the field. Attackers try to dribble try dribble across the end line. If they cant do that, they can pass to their teammates in the next field. Defend ers orient themselves towards the ball, so at least two defenders and one midfielder are on the ball. The attackers are allowed to strike at goal after dribbling across the line. Defenders and midfielders counter attack on the end lines.
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Game · 16 mins
Transfer game — 3v2 + 2 Midfielders
16:00
Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from 3v2 + 2 midfielders.
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
Pressing
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
Rest players in centre box – 2 press at a time
2 passes before moving ball on
Progress to 1 pass needed before moving on
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
2 people covering each “box” and pressing as soon as
the ball enters their box
When ball leaves your “box” go back into centre and
rest
Pressing
Setup:
3 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and rest covering the passes
between
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pressing
Setup:
3 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and rest covering the passes
between
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pass quickly
½ touch
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and other covers pass
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pressing/Quick
Passing