3-04-5b 3v3 plus 1 small-sided game: Using a neutral player to progress - FIFA Training Centre

This small-sided game is designed to work on a unit’s ability to build and progress play. The exercise simulates any stage in an attacking phase where a team is set up in a diamond shape to play through the opposition.

Methodology

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
Players practise executing the various passing options created by four-player diamond structures when building and progressing play. In their diamond unit, players are asked to create triangular passing angles and use off-the-ball movement to play through or around the opposition. The group also focus on aspects such as one-touch passing, creating width and isolating vulnerable defenders by driving at them to create 2v1 scenarios. On an individual scale, players should look to play disguised passes to deceive defenders and pick out team-mates making unsighted runs.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
This small-sided game revolves around the unit scale, focusing on building up and progressing play. The diamond structure at the heart of the activity can be found in all phases of the attack and can involve different players. In one phase, the centre-back operates as the pivot with the full-back, defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder working angles off their position. Further up the pitch, the central midfielder operates as the pivot with the wide midfielder, attacking midfielder and centre-forward creating the angles.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
This small-sided game provides ample opportunities for the unit to practise passing and exploiting numerical advantages to progress play. The exaggerated width of the exercise area promotes quick switches of play from one side to the other. Dividing the exercise area into thirds gives a structure to the unit’s play, and the offside rule forces players to pay attention to the timing of their runs.

Session plan

A 3v3 plus 1 game is contested in an exercise area containing four mini-goals.

Organisation

Mark out a 20m x 20m exercise area and divide it into thirds.

Place 2 mini-goals at either end of the exercise area.

Split the group into 2 teams of 3 (oranges and blues), plus 1 neutral player.

Explanation

The exercise begins with the oranges in possession.
The 3 orange players and the neutral player set up in a diamond shape.
The oranges use the neutral player to progress play and finish in either of the mini-goals at the opposite end. The blues try to win the ball and score in either mini-goal at the other end.
The offside rule applies, with the lines marking the end zones representing the offside lines.

Key coaching points

(1/3) Bad practice: The attacking team (oranges) should use the full width and depth of the exercise area to stretch the opposition (greens). Being so close to each other facilitates the greens’ task.

(2/3) Good practice: With the attacking team (oranges) in good positions to stretch the opposition (the greens), the ball carrier should look to engage with a defender to open spaces in the opposition’s shape and exploit the 4v3 numerical advantage.

(3/3) Fixing a defender can open up passing angles to find players offering in behind.

Roles of coaches

First coach: leads the exercise and offers the players tips on how to improve their off-the-ball movement.
Second coach: offers the players support and encouragement.