Gafferbook
Patterns of play ยท U10 to U12

7v7 3-2-1: hold up and arrive

The lone striker holds the ball up and lays it off for the two midfielders arriving to shoot. Teaches the 3-2-1 to support its striker quickly.

U10 to U12Ages
6 to 10 plus a keeperPlayers
7v7 half pitchArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Back three, two midfielders and one striker.
  • Keeper; optional passive centre-back on the striker.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Centre defender plays forward into the striker.
  2. Striker holds and lays off to a midfielder arriving.
  3. Midfielder shoots or slips the other midfielder in.

Coaching points

  • Striker: back into the defender, soft lay-off.
  • Midfielders arrive at angles, not in a line.
  • Shoot early from the lay-off.

Formations this drill suits

3-2-1 (7v7) drills

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Unopposed

Make it harder

  • Active centre-back on the striker

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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