5v2 (or 3)

To improve quick passing, scanning, movement off the ball, and pressing reactions in tight spaces. Encourages decision-making in numerical superiority and defending in small groups.

• Set up a square grid with 5 attackers (black) on the outside and 2 or 3 defenders (blue) inside. • The attackers must maintain possession and work together to keep the ball moving with speed. • Defenders try to win the ball and can rotate after set time (e.g. 30–45 seconds). • If the defenders win the ball, you can: • Restart play immediately, leaving the defenders in for a set period. • Restart play immediately, swapping the defender out. • Let them score in a mini goal. • Give them a time target to complete a pass or exit the zone. • Whichever rule you chose, make it a competition (e.g. defender pair or trio who win the ball the least, lose). • Optional Rotation Rule: • If a defender wins the ball, they switch out with the attacker who lost it by dropping the bid. New defender has to pick it up. Makes the game more transitional.