Two-plus-one v two

WHY USE IT

The hidden third attacker can create space for the ball carrier and front-line support player as the defenders might be drawn to potential threats.

SET UP

A 15m x 10m box, several balls and cones.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Play with three attackers and two defenders. A feeder passes the ball into the attackers. The third attacker starts behind the front line. The attack should use passing and running to beat the defence. Initially, let your players have a go without any instruction on how to exploit potential gaps. A big help is to start them in an ‘L’ formation – this will add pace, depth and decoy. Once they have had several attempts, show them some options as outlined in the diagrams.

Development: The attackers start at the side and run into position, before receiving the ball. Allow grab tackling, so the ball carrier can pass out of the tackle.

COACHING POINTS

• All the attackers play at game speed, with urgency.
• Defenders are drawn away from where the ball is going.
• Defenders are fixed and flat footed.
• Passes are accurate and allow the receiver to take the ball comfortably.
• The attack uses a variety of running lines and options to assist the success of the 3v2.
• The attacking players communicate with each other to help the decision-making or to help create a decoy.

ATTACK OPTION 1

1. Set up the attackers in an ‘L’ shape, so the back attacker is better connected
2. Feed the ball into the attackers
3. The attackers use passing and running lines to beat the defence
4. Here, the first receiver fixes the defender and passes to the back attacker – the passer should pass so that they are blocking the defender sliding across

ATTACK OPTION 2

1. Here, the first receiver draws out the defender and passes inside, or goes themselves

ATTACK OPTION 3

1. The first receiver passes late
2. The outside attacker draws the defender away and passes inside