3v3 - Breaking Down Small-Sided Play

Three v Three

Penetration: Focus on driving the ball forward through dribbling, passing, or runs to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Support: Off-the-ball players must constantly move into positions to provide passing options and maintain attacking momentum.
Width: Use the full width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create spaces in central areas.
Creativity: Encourage attackers to use a mix of skills, feints, and quick passing combinations to unbalance defenders.

Quick Ball Movement: Move the ball quickly to exploit gaps in the defensive structure and prevent defenders from settling into position.
Create 1v1 Situations: Use passing and movement to isolate a defender, allowing one attacker to take them on.
Combination Play: Use overlaps, underlaps, and one-twos to break down the defensive line effectively.
Diagonal Passing: Deliver passes at angles to open up new attacking options and bypass defensive lines.
Supporting Runs: Off-the-ball players should make intelligent runs to draw defenders and create space for teammates.
Decision Making: Evaluate whether to dribble, pass, or shoot based on the defensive setup and team positioning.
Switch Play: Recognise when to move the ball to the opposite side of the pitch to exploit unbalanced defenders.
Exploit Numerical Equality: Create overloads in specific areas through quick, coordinated movements, despite the equal numbers.

Delay: Slow down the attacking play to prevent quick penetration and give teammates time to recover and organise.
Compactness: Maintain a tight defensive shape to limit space for attackers to operate.
Marking and Tracking Runners: Each defender should maintain responsibility for their immediate opponent while being aware of movement off the ball.
Awareness of Space: Stay alert to gaps in the defensive line and adjust positioning accordingly.

Close Down Ball Carrier: The first defender should apply pressure on the ball carrier to limit their time and options.
Communication: Ensure defenders are in constant communication to organise marking and pressing effectively.
Cut Off Passing Lanes: Position yourself to block potential passes while still pressuring the ball carrier.
Recover Quickly: Focus on regaining defensive shape after losing possession or being bypassed.
Force Play Wide: Guide attackers into less dangerous wide areas where they are less likely to create direct threats.
Timing of Challenges: Commit to tackles or interceptions at the right moment to avoid being bypassed.
Awareness of Overlaps and Underlaps: Track runners who attempt to create overloads or passing options on the flanks.
Defend in Relation to Goal: Position yourself to protect the most dangerous areas and limit attackers’ chances to shoot.

Psychological Aspect: Encourage attackers to maintain confidence and creativity in equal-numbers situations, while defenders should focus on teamwork, resilience, and decision-making under pressure.
Drill Suggestions:
- Attack vs. Defence: Set up 3v3 drills focusing on attacking combinations and defensive compactness.
- Transition Play: Practice transitioning from attack to defence (and vice versa) to simulate real match scenarios.
Game-Specific Context: Teach players to adapt their approach in different areas of the pitch, such as the final third, wide areas, or midfield battles.