3Style
@ Custodians
This 3-player format can be used as a dynamic warmup,
or combined with a game of 2 v 1 as part of a coaching session.
Steve
T
Groups
of three players offer the coach an ideal format for a dynamic warmup
with a ball, as well as a tool for developing a particular technique.
Adding a competitive phase using 1 v 2 (rotating the players), allows
coach to use this format to build a complete coaching session;
providing a good deal of functionality and flexibility.
Pass
& Move (Two touches)
Players
A and B here - distance at
coach's discretion - Player C here
Player
A passes the ball ===============> to Player C
Then follows (avoiding path of Player C) ---------------------------->
(Player
B [waits behind Player A])
Player
A immediately moves to replace Player C, who takes one
touch before following his/her pass to take up the position that
will soon become vacant once Player B takes one touch before passing
to Player C. The cycle continues in this way ...
This
'shuttle' is clealry perfect for developing the concept of 'pass and
move' among
young players. It develops space awareness, highlighting the need
for players to avoid the space required by the receiver to complete their
subsequent pass.
A
'Flexible Friend' (Two Touch to One + Virtually Unlimited Variants)
The
simplest option is to use this format to develop passing with the inside
of the foot. However, this setup can be used to develop virtually any
form of passing, such as the outside of the foot and toe.
The
most obvious progression is to remove the first touch and make it 'one
touch'. The second coaching point (below) refers to the development of
this progression.
Coaching
Points:
-
Ensure the players understand that in the two touch version need
to use the first touch effectively to prepare for the pass - iron
out any problems relating to the technique. A common problem among
novice/young players is that they do not push the ball far enough
in front of them to allow them to make a pass comfortably. Correct
this, ideally by encouraging the player to 'discover' the solution.
Ensure
the player is sufficiently confident when using two touches before adopting
a 'one touch' phase.
Other
'specific' coaching points will apply if using this format for a
more complex skill, such as passing with the outside of the foot. In
this case (for example only), the coach may show the players how to
comfortably position the ball to allow for successful completion.
Warm Up Option
How many coaches have seen players 'messing around' with little purpose while awaiting their teammates arrival? This format allows coach to get these players warmed up in a 'football-friendly' format. Coach can demonstrate if the players are not already familiar with this format, then step aside when a third player arrives. This is a perfect solution, too, for coaches who find themselves with a small group of players due to 'unforeseen circumstances' (extreme weather or transport difficulties etc).
2 v 1
To
add a more 'competitive' element, move from the shuttle format to a
game of 2 v 1. Coach can again adapt this to develop a specific
skill, so that the two must complete five passes (with the outside of
the foot [if this is being developed initially, for example]) before
scoring, while the single player can only score by using a shot/pass
with the outside of the foot. If each player must experience a turn
on their own, this can also be excellent for developing fitness and
stamina among your players. Play 'first to 5' (or 10), depending on
your needs / time constraints.
Finish
With a Game
These
components can easily account for a one-hour or even a 90-minute
session if ending the session with a short game of 'regular'
football/futsal.
Variants:
Control-pass with toe/one touch pass with toe, control-pass with the opposite
foot (left-right, right-left) and so on ... (almost limitless possibilities ...)
Additional
Progressions: Rotate players among groups that have multiple groups
of three players.
