3v3 Plus 3
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
3v3 Plus 3 is a soccer possession drill for U10–U16 where two teams of three combine as a six to keep the ball from the third team. Because the team that gives the ball away instantly becomes the defending team, every touch carries a consequence. It's a compact way to train first touch, support angles, and thinking one pass ahead.
Browse the full possession drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U13 players.
Setup
- Mark a 20×20 yard grid.
- Create three teams of three in different colors - for example yellow, red, and white.
- One team (say yellow) starts as the defenders; the other two teams spread out with the ball.
How It Works
- The two in-possession teams work together as a six to keep the ball from the defending three.
- Defenders press hard to force a mistake or an interception.
- Whichever team loses the ball - a bad pass into a defender, or the ball out of the grid - becomes the new defending team immediately.
- Play restarts straight away, so transitions are constant.
Coaching Points
- First touch with a plan: know your next pass before the ball arrives and take your touch toward it.
- Pass firmly to feet - slow or bouncing balls invite pressure.
- Move after passing; good support angles beat good passes every time.
- Stay open to the field so you can see defenders and both teammates.
Variations
- For younger or less experienced groups, rotate defenders every 2–3 minutes instead of on every turnover.
- Grow or shrink the grid to change the pressure level.
- Cap touches at two (or one) to raise the speed of thought.