3 v 3 in Working Groups
Small games between the trios who actually play near each other on a Saturday.
Zonal defending in four words — players closest to the ball move as the ball moves. It is easier to feel in a three than to explain to a nine.
Starting at Core — your team is set to mixed.
About 20 min in the core activity · The team split into the groups that play together in a game
- Ages 11–13
- The team split into the groups that play together in a game
- About 20 min in the core activity
- Cones, four small goals, pinnies, balls
Grab Cones, four small goals, pinnies, balls.
Build Mark two 25-by-35-yard fields with one small goal at each end.
Place Three a side per field — and pick the threes who actually play near each other.
Two short fields, one small goal at each end, three against three.
- 1
Organize the players
Mark both fields and split into threes deliberately — the source names example trios by shirt number, and grouping players who really do play together is the point.
“You three play together on Saturdays. You're going to defend together now.”
- 2
Show the jobs
Ask the defending three to close the forward pass rather than win the ball.
“Keep them from playing forward. That's it. That's the whole job.”
- 3
Play
Run continuous games. When the ball goes across and the three shuffle with it, stop and let them see they moved as one.
“Players closest to the ball move as the ball moves.”
Look for The two players NOT near the ball moving — that is the whole idea, and it is invisible until you point at it.
- 4
Switch and repeat
Ask them to step into the passing lane when the opponent tries to go through.
“When they try to play through an opening, go and get it.”
Too hard? Give the defending side an extra player so the shape works before the timing does. Too easy? Shrink the field so decisions come faster.
Go deeper · 3 notes
Why it works
Three players is the smallest unit where pressure, cover and balance all exist at once. Anything smaller is a duel; anything larger hides who was late.
What they learn
You defend by where you stand, not by how hard you run.
What's next
The same movement deep, protecting a real goal.
Where does this come from?
US Soccer and Massachusetts Youth Soccer — their published nine-a-side session plans for U13 and up.
A governing body published this — the same organization that writes the rules your league plays by.