Patterns of play ยท U12 to U13

9v9 3-3-2: midfield three into the front two

The 9v9 midfield three combine to feed the two strikers: a pass into one striker, a set to the advancing midfielder and a ball in behind. Builds the link between midfield and attack in a 3-3-2.

U12 to U13Ages
8 to 12 plus a keeperPlayers
Half a 9v9 pitchArea
15 to 20 minsTime

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

Set-up

  • Three midfielders, two strikers, keeper. Start unopposed, then add three defenders.

Equipment: Cones, balls, goal, bibs

How it works

  1. Central midfielder receives from the coach and plays into a striker.
  2. Striker sets to a wide midfielder running in.
  3. Wide midfielder plays the other striker in behind or shoots.

Coaching points

  • Midfielders: arrive late into the box, not early.
  • Strikers: split, one short and one in behind.
  • Pass into the striker's safe foot (away from the defender).

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Unopposed
  • Two-touch finish allowed

Make it harder

  • 3v3 plus a recovering midfielder
  • Finish within 10 seconds

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

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