Ball Retention and Goal Scoring: Two Dynamic Small-Sided Drills

This training session focuses on developing two key aspects of the game: ball retention under pressure and efficient goal scoring. In the first drill, a 3+2 GK vs 3 setup encourages the majority team to maintain possession with quick, limited touches while the outnumbered side looks to win the ball and counterattack.

In the second drill, a structured 3 vs 3 with three longitudinal zones and offside rules challenges players to combine movement, positional discipline, and effective use of space to create scoring opportunities. Both exercises sharpen technical skills, decision-making, and game awareness under realistic conditions.

Both drills are taken from Flexible Training Sessions 1 – Effective Training for 6–13 by Thomas Kettner.

3+ 2 vs 3: Ball retention vs goal scoring

Organization & Procedure
2 teams (red and blue) with 3 players each, 2 goalkeepers in the goals, field size: 28 x 32m 4 rounds with 3 minutes each and active breaks Total duration: 20 minutes

• 3+ 2 GK vs 3 on ball retention.
• 3 red players play together with the 2 goalkeepers in a 5 vs 3 to keep the ball.
• 10 passes in a row gives one point! The team in majority plays with max. 2 contacts.
• Blue (3 players) counterattacks on one of the 2 goals after winning the ball.
• The shorthanded team has free play.
• Play without offside!
• If a goal is scored, this team is prompted to keep the ball.
• Always new from the GK when the ball is kicked out.

Coaching Points

• Open body positions and playability
• Immediate counterpressing when the ball is lost

Variations

• Flat pass from GK to GK scores an extra point
• Majority team plays without contact restrictions

3 vs 3 with 3 longitudinal zones with offside

Organization & Procedure
2 teams (red and blue) with 3 players each, 2 goalkeepers in the goals, field size: 40 x 40m with 2 offside lines (one offside line every 16m in front of the opponent’s goal). All 3 long fields (13m wide) must be occupied by 1 player per team.

• 3 vs 3 on goals with offside!
• The players only operate in their zones. 2 GK fixed in the 2 goals.
• A goal is scored only if at least 2 zones have been played after the ball has been played out!
• If a goal is scored, the successful team can attack again.
• The GKs are not allowed to score goals. If the ball is kicked out, it starts always with the goalie.
• After each game sequence (1minute), one player moves on to the adjacent zone in opposite directions.

Coaching Points

• Open body positions, breaking away from the opponent
• Shifting play to neighboring zones

Variations

• GKs may hold the ball at their feet for a maximum of 5 seconds (time limit) before playing to a teammate.
• If one player is offside, he may not score a goal. However, passing and dribbling are allowed.
• All 3 zones must be played before a goal can be scored.