Soccer 4v3 w Designated Attacker Training Drill

Setup

  • 2 teams
  • grid (40yds x 50yds)
  • cones to mark off area
  • 4 cone goals (4-5yds)
  • pinnies
  • 10-20 min

Rules & Objectives

  • each team defends and attacks 2 cone goals
  • each team has one designated player who must stay in the attacking half
  • designated player has to pass to at least 1x other teammate before he or another teammate can score

Variations

  • vary number and positions of cone goals
  • play with mini goals instead of cone goals
  • teams can only score by dribbling through cone goal
  • designated player has to take at least 2-3 touches before he can score
  • if a defender wins the ball he must dribble across the halfway line before he attempts to pass to the
  • designated player
  • adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary

Coaching Points

  • Attacking: weight of pass
  • Attacking: accuracy
  • Attacking: first touch
  • Attacking: angle, distance and timing of support
  • Attacking: vision
  • Attacking: decision making
  • Attacking: verbal and visual communication
  • Attacking: quick transitions
  • Attacking: switch point of attack
  • Attacking: set up defender
  • Attacking: change of speed &direction
  • Attacking: protect the ball
  • Attacking: close control
  • Defending: angle and speed of approach
  • Defending: control and restraint
  • Defending: delay and channel
  • Defending: angle and distance of cover
  • Defending: intercept pass
  • Defending: change role of pressure and cover
  • Defending: visual and verbal communication

Difficulty: advanced

Emphasis: Attacking, Dribbling, Passing

Number of Players: 8+

Age Group: 12 to 15, 16+, 5 to 7, 8 to 11

Format: 4v3

Additional Drills