2v2+1: Two vs. Two Plus a Target Attacker

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

The 2v2+1 game is a situational soccer attacking drill for U10–U16 players that lets you coach both sides of the same moment: attackers exploiting a numbers-up advantage, and defender pairs surviving a numbers-down scramble. Every repetition ends with a shot, a clearance, or a coaching moment.

Find similar exercises in our attacking drills collection or filter by age with drills for U13 teams.

Setup

• Mark a grid about 30×40 yards with a goal and goalkeeper on one end.
• Pick one target attacker and put them in a distinct bib.
• Pick four defenders in another color: two start active in the middle of the grid, about 18 yards from goal, and two rest just outside the sidelines.
• Split the remaining players into two lines at the top of the grid, facing the goal.

How It Works

1. The goalkeeper punts a ball out to the first two attackers at the top of the grid.
2. Those two join the target player to attack the two defenders - a 3v2.
3. If the defenders win the ball, they try to clear it past the line where the waiting attackers stand.
4. If the clearance makes it past that line, the two attackers (not the target player) owe 10 pushups. If the clearance falls short, the attack continues.
5. When the ball is dead, the keeper punts to the next pair of attackers and the two resting defenders step in.

Coaching Points

• Attacking: feed the target player early, but never force the pass.
• Attacking: supporting runs off the ball, quick combinations, and shots taken at the first good chance.
• Defending: mark the target player, and have the nearest defender pressure the ball immediately.
• Defending: keep pressure-and-cover shape - never defend flat side-by-side or in a straight line.
• Defending: work as a pair with strong defensive posture on the ball.

Variations

• Swap the pushup penalty for a running score between attacking pairs.
• Play 3v3+1 to make the attack work harder.
• Limit attackers to three touches to force quicker combinations.