3v3 + 2 Wide

Encourage playing through an overload, recognising the free player and using the full width to escape pressure.

A 25x30 area with a wide channel on each touchline. 3v3 inside; one neutral player locked to each wide channel. Neutrals always play for the team in possession (so it is effectively 5v3).

1. The team in possession keeps the ball, using the two wide neutrals to create a 5v3.
2. Score a point for a set number of passes, or for switching the ball from one wide player to the other.
3. If defenders win it, they become the attacking three and play to the neutrals.
4. Neutrals are one or two touch to keep the ball moving.

• Find the free man early — usually the wide neutral away from pressure.
• Body shape open to switch — receive on the back foot.
• Use the wide players to change the angle, then attack the space inside.
• Defenders: stay compact and shift together, deny the switch.

• Wide players hug the line ball-watching instead of adjusting position to offer a passing lane — keep them alive off the ball.
• The team in possession forces play through the middle when the switch is on — reward using the width.
• Defenders ignore the wide players and the game becomes 3v3 — remind them the overload only hurts if they don't screen it.

• Limit central players to two touches.
• Two points for a switch completed through a central player.
• Add a small goal at each end for direction.

• Allow neutrals unlimited touches.
• Make the area bigger.
• Add a third neutral in the middle.

• A point is only scored from a side-to-side switch.