4v3: press, cover, balance
Four defenders stop three attackers building toward a small goal. The nearest presses and pushes the ball wide, the others cover and balance, and a trapped dribbler gets double-teamed. Win it and score in one of two small goals.
- Ages
- U11–U12
- Players
- 4 defending v 3 attacking
- Area
- 22×35 yd
- Time
- 20 min
One example
Press: get in front of the ball.
Coaching points
- First defender: get in front of the ball and push it away from the middle.
- Second defender: cover behind the presser, close enough to help.
- Far defenders: tuck in and balance across the field.
- Ball trapped by the line? Two go together and win it.
Equipment: 3 mini goals, balls, bibs
Based on Massachusetts Youth Soccer — U12 Preventing Build Up in Own Half (1): 4v3 to small goals, in our own words.