3v2 to goal soccer drill
In 3v2 to goal, three attackers try to score against two defenders and a goalkeeper before the defenders can slow them down. It trains finding the free player: the attackers must draw a defender to the ball and pass to the teammate left open.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
3v2 to goal: setup diagram
At a glance
| Detail | For this drill |
|---|---|
| Ages | U10 to U12 (ages 9 to 12) |
| Players | 8 to 14, plus a goalkeeper |
| Space | 30 x 30 yd (27 x 27 m) |
| Equipment | One goal; balls; cones; bibs |
| Time | 12 to 15 minutes |
| Skill | Small-sided games |
Change the size of the area to fit your group: bigger makes it easier for the player with the ball, smaller makes it harder. Everyone who goes out comes straight back in, and nobody runs laps.
How to run it
- Two defenders start 18 yards from goal. Three attackers start 30 yards out, spread across the field.
- A defender passes the ball to the middle attacker, and the game is live.
- The attackers have eight seconds to shoot. If a defender wins the ball, the defenders score by passing to the coach on the halfway line.
- After each attack, the three attackers leave and two of the next group become the defenders.
- From U11, if your league plays offside, play it here from a line level with the defenders’ start.
Coaching points to say out loud
- “Go at them fast.”
- “Wide players stay wide.”
- “Make a defender choose, then pass.”
- “Shoot when you are free.”
Make it easier or harder
Easier
Play 3v1, or give the attackers twelve seconds.
Harder
A third defender starts behind the attackers and recovers, which turns it into 3v3 after a few seconds.
Common mistakes
- Three slow passes across the field while the defenders get set.
- Wide attackers drifting into the middle, where two defenders can guard three.
- Passing before a defender has stepped to the ball.
Why it matters in a game
A team that wins the ball often has an extra attacker for a few seconds. Our lesson on the first pass after winning the ball teaches the choice: use a clear forward advantage, or keep the ball safe if it is gone.
The lesson that teaches it: Win It: Look, Then Choose.
Questions about 3v2 to goal
What is the aim of a 3v2 drill?
To teach attackers to use an extra player quickly, before more defenders recover, and to teach two defenders to delay and protect the middle.
Who should have the ball in a 3v2?
The middle attacker is best, because they can pass to either side. Dribbling straight at one defender leaves a wide teammate free.
What should the two defenders do?
Drop toward their goal together, stay narrow, and force a pass wide. They try to make the attack take longer than eight seconds.
Lessons that teach this idea
- Win It: Look, Then Choose (9v9 lesson)After gaining possession, use a clear forward advantage or secure the ball.
- Two Against One: Carry or Pass (9v9 lesson)Watch whether the defender approaches the ball or stays with the teammate.
- Two Attackers: Commit the Defender (Futsal lesson)Carry at the lone defender, then choose the route their movement leaves.
- Win It: Attack or Keep It (Futsal lesson)After gaining possession, use an advantage when it is available.
Related drills and guides
- 2v1 to goal (drill)It trains the main decision of attacking with an extra player: dribble at the defender, then pass if they come to you or keep going if they do not.
- Pressure and cover 2v2 (drill)It trains defending together, and swapping the two jobs each time the ball is passed.
- Crossing and finishing (drill)It trains the timing of runs into the goal area and a first-time finish with the foot.
- Four-goal game (drill)It trains switching play: when one goal is crowded, the team moves the ball to the open one.
- Counterattack (soccer term)Attacking fast after winning the ball
- 2v1 (soccer term)Two attackers against one defender
- The offside ruleWhy the timing of a run matters
- Striker in soccerThe player who finishes chances
- U10 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year oldsTen drills for 9 and 10 year olds: rondos, first touch, 2v1 and first goalkeeping
- U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year oldsTen drills for 11 and 12 year olds: 4v2 rondos, possession, defending in pairs and finishing
- Soccer shooting drills for kidsShooting and finishing drills without long lines, for U6 to U12
- U12 soccer practice plan: first practice of the seasonA 75-minute plan that uses this drill
- U12 soccer practice plan: shooting and finishingA 75-minute plan that uses this drill
- All small-sided games drillsReal games with few players, so everyone is on the ball.
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.