4v3 with new wrinkles
We always talk about fast paced drills that simulate game situations and forces players to think, recognize and react. Practicing clearing can sometimes really slow down even the most fast-paced practice. In a 4v3 drill, with a few simple wrinkles we can integrate breakout passes, spacing, re-direct passes, and riding all in the fast paced ¾ field transition drill. The key is to keep the drill moving even with the three different segments. We do not want players waiting in line to lose interest, so keep it fast paced and moving
Wrinkle One: From the Restraining Line
Run this drill from the opposite restraining line
Line the players up offense, defense, offense, etc., with colored pennies or jerseys.
The drill begins with a ground ball to one of the four offensive players, who then sprint s ¾ field in transition, while the three defenders need to hustle back to play defense in their own end. (You can already see the conditioning portion we get here.)
The four offensive players move the ball, focusing on spacing and quick, quality passing. The drill plays out to a shot on goal.
Encourage the offense to get off a shot in the first 10-15 seconds once they reach the offensive end to keep this drill fast paced.
Wrinkle Two: Second Ball
If the offense loses possession or connects for a goal, the coach immediately rolls out a second ball to be played with the same offensive and defensive players on the field in the drill while they are in their offensive end. Now we have a ground ball drill integrated into the ¾ field exercise.
If they can get possession, they play out the second ball in a slightly more settled situation, since they are already in the offensive end.
Once they shoot, score or lose possession, the defense must clear the ball using the goalie. Remember, the offense had four players, the defense three plus the goalie.
Wrinkle Three: 'Add One' and Clear
The third aspect of the drill is for the defense to clear the ball.
At this point, we keep an additional separate line of defensive players in the defensive end and 'add one' to the defensive team clearing the ball, which we want them to clear at least to midfield.
The clearing team has the three original players, the goalie, and the 'add one' player, for a total of five clearing against the four offensive players.
There is a lot of space, but again we are directly emulating a game scenario man advantage in our end on clears.
