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LOGINMagic threes!
Defence is about teamwork and trust. An effective defence is a simple defence – and nothing could be simpler and more effective than ‘magic threes’.
WHY USE IT
Work on communication and looking ahead, while being aware of who is next to who.
set up
Two cones; a 20m square pitch.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Three defenders start between two cones, facing you. Use hand signals to direct them left, right, forward and back. They must move together and keep the same space between them at all times. After 15 seconds, move the players back between the two cones to check they have kept together. Players should watch you carefully and react to the changes immediately.
DEVELOPMENTS: The middle player faces you; the outside players face away. The middle player has to communicate all the changes of direction. Tell three attackers to move left and right. They move forward when told and the defenders have to stay opposite them and make tackles.
GAME SITUATION: Three defenders in the square defend against four attackers from one side of the square, attacking to the opposite side. If they score, or are stopped, shout “Change!”. The defenders realign to defend against the attack from another side of the square. The same team defend for a minute; then swap over. Give the defence a point for each attack stopped.
COACHING POINTS
- Keep your spacing constant as you move around.
- Be aware of the defenders on either side of you.
- Three players move in the directions indicated before returning to the cones to check their spacing
Related Files
- Attackers move left and right based on your signals, before moving forward
- Defenders stay opposite their attacker before moving forward when that player moves forward
- One attack of four comes forward
- The defence aims to repel the first attack. It then has a count of three to recover before defending the next attack
Dan Cottrell
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