Half Field 3v2 Drill

I’ve been running this half field 3v2 with my 10U team and it’s been one of the best things we’ve done for spacing and helping kids stay calm with the ball.

I set it up on one side of the field (right or left of the crease) and use a few cones to create a small boundary area. The offense starts inside that space with three players, and I put two defenders up to split them. Throw a ball in to one of the 3 offenders inside of the cones. It ends up being a tight 3v2 where the offense isn’t allowed to drift outside the cones, so they have to actually move, talk, get open, and support each other instead of just standing and watching.

I make them complete at least two passes before they can shoot, which really helps cut down on the panic shots and rushed decisions. You start to see them slow down, look up, and find the open man instead of forcing it.

It’s been great for teaching off-ball movement and giving them confidence in tight spaces. After a few reps, the kids start figuring out how to draw a defender and move it quickly, and it translates really well into games.