3v1 Early Support

Three keep the ball from one defender — and when the defender wins it, the whole game jumps to the other square.

Early support at the right angle and distance is what gives the passer two ways out, and this game asks for it before every single pass.

Ages 9+Two teams of 3 (3v1)15 minCones, pinnies, balls

Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive

Grab: Cones, two colors of pinnies, and a ball.
Build: Build two 12-by-12-yard squares that share one side.
Place: Three reds and one yellow defender in one square; the other two yellows in the far square. Ball starts with the reds.

Show me the setup picture

Two squares sharing a side — three reds and a yellow defender in one, two yellows waiting in the other, ball with a red.

One thing to remember: Early support, supporting angle and distance, and movement without the ball.

How it runs — the whole game in one sentence

Three keep it from one; when the defender wins it, they play it to their teammates next door and join them, and one red chases in as the new defender.

1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Two teams of three in pinnies. Three reds and one yellow defender in one square; the other two yellows spread out next door.
Coach says
Reds, this square is yours — one yellow in with you. Other yellows, far square, stay moving.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk one round — the reds give the ball carrier two passing options; when the yellow wins it, they play it across and join their team, and one red chases in to defend. A new defender goes each time.
Coach says
Reds — two ways out, always. Yellow — win it, play it across, and go join it.
3Play▾
Coach does
Let the pattern run. Everyone moves at all times — even without the ball — and the supporting players make a triangle around the ball carrier.
Coach says
Be there before the ball arrives! Keep moving — even without it.
Look for: The triangle — two supporting players open on both sides of the ball before it arrives.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Let the steal do the rotating — every win sends the ball next door and pulls a fresh defender in after it.
Coach says
Win it, play it over, follow it! Reds — new defender chases.

If it's not working

If three can't hold it against one, nudge the squares bigger while they play — extra room buys the passer time — then bring them back in.

Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.

Why are we doing this?

Support only counts if it arrives early, at an angle the defender cannot reach, and at the right distance — and because a steal sends the game next door, every player learns that possession is never settled; you are one loose pass from chasing.

What are they learning?

Early support, supporting angle and distance, and movement without the ball.

How can I change it?

Easier: Make the squares bigger.

Harder: Limit the number of touches.

Next: 4v2 Rondo — the same habits, one more passer and one more hunter.