Defensive transition: delay and recover

Setup

1. Three attackers (A1 to A3) start just past halfway, A1 on the ball.
2. Two defenders (D1, D2) start between them and goal; a goalkeeper in goal.
3. A third defender (D3) starts 5 m behind the ball, caught upfield.

How it runs

1. On the coach's call, A1 drives forward and the 3v2 is live.
2. D3 sprints back on the inside to make it 3v3.
3. Attackers have 10 seconds to shoot; defenders score a point for every attack with no shot on target.
4. If the defenders win it, they counter to the halfway line.
5. Rotate roles every 4 attacks.

Coaching points

• First job is to slow the ball, not win it. Buy time for D3.
• D1: drop off, stay goal-side and keep the ball in front. Stay on your feet.
• Narrow first: protect the middle and the area, then shift out.
• D2: sit between the two far attackers so one pass can't beat both of you.
• D3: recover on the inside line, towards your own goal, not to the ball.
• Talk: the recovering player calls who they take as they arrive.
• Once numbers are even, press: the delay is over.

Common mistakes

• D1 diving in and being beaten in one touch.
• Both defenders going to the ball and leaving a free runner at the far post.
• D3 chasing the ball instead of getting goal-side.
• Backing off so far that A1 can shoot from 10 m unchallenged.