Breaking Down Small-Sided Play - 3 v 2

Course: How To Coach Technique
Section: 06 - Breaking Down Small-Sided Play
Subsection: 05 - 3 v 2
Page URL: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/e979bc11?md=5a6e7ee2e3754706abe9b85d8ce9e3ac
Screenshot: 3v2.png

Three v Two

Attacking

Important Concepts

Create Width: Spread out the attackers to stretch the defensive pair and open passing lanes.
Support the Player on the Ball: Ensure off-the-ball players are positioned to provide passing options or create space for the ball carrier.
Penetration – Drive at Goal: One attacker should aim to penetrate the defence with direct movement or dribbling, forcing defenders to react.
Decision Making: Evaluate whether to dribble, pass, or shoot based on the defensive setup and available options.

Helpful Coaching Points

Move the Ball Quickly, No Aimless Passes: Pass with intent and precision, ensuring the attack remains dynamic and unpredictable.
Try to Create 1v1 Situations: Use passing or movement to isolate a defender, allowing one attacker to engage in a favourable duel.
First Attacker Moves to Commit Defender: The ball carrier should engage one defender to create space for teammates.
Passing Techniques: Emphasise accurate, timely passes with appropriate weight and direction to maintain the advantage.
Supporting Players Create Angles: Off-the-ball players must position themselves to offer passing angles and avoid being marked.
Overlaps and Underlaps: Use overlapping or underlapping runs to disrupt defensive organisation and create shooting or crossing opportunities.
Communication Among Attackers: Use verbal and non-verbal cues (e.g., pointing or gestures) to coordinate movements and passing sequences.
Exploit Overloads: Recognise and exploit the numerical advantage by drawing defenders out of position.

Defending

Important Concepts

First Defender Denies Space and Channels First Attacker: The primary defender should guide the ball carrier into less dangerous areas or towards their weaker foot.
Delay Opponent – Don’t Over Commit, the Onus Is on the Attacker: Focus on slowing the attack to allow defensive reinforcements to recover.
Awareness of Opponents’ Movements: Both defenders must track the movement of all attackers to anticipate passes and block key spaces.

Helpful Coaching Points

Direct First Attacker Away from Goal: Use body positioning to force the ball carrier into less threatening zones.
Defend in Relation to Goal: Ensure defensive positioning prioritises protecting the goal and central areas.
Communicate with Teammates: Constant communication helps coordinate marking, pressing, and covering responsibilities.
Avoid Being Split – No 1v1 Situations: Maintain a compact shape to prevent attackers from isolating individual defenders.
Priority Given to Players Closest to Goal: Mark the most immediate threats to reduce scoring opportunities.
First Defender Tries to Deny Pass: Block passing lanes to limit the attackers’ options.
Awareness of Offside: Use offside as a strategic tool to limit the attackers’ positioning.
Decide When to Press the Ball: Recognise moments when pressing aggressively can win possession or force an error.
Recovery Runs: If beaten, focus on recovering quickly to limit the attackers’ advantage.

General Considerations

Psychological Aspect: Encourage attackers to use creativity and composure in exploiting the numerical advantage while defenders should focus on teamwork and discipline.
Drill Suggestions: Set up 3v2 drills in various areas of the pitch, such as the final third, wings, or in counter-attacking scenarios, to simulate real match situations.
Game-Specific Context: Teach players to adapt their approach in 3v2 situations, such as how to play during counter-attacks or in build-up phases.

Key Teaching Focus

Exploiting numerical superiority through intelligent movement and passing
Creating 1v1 situations within team scenarios
Defensive principles for managing disadvantageous situations
Quick decision-making to maintain attacking momentum