There are key moments in every game. Moments that change the final outcome of matches. Can we prepare our players to come through during those moments when the pressure is high and the game is on the line? The answer is YES, absolutely! Repetition, repetition, repetition in training! Cavani’s winning goal for Uruguay over Portugal in the round of 16 was a 3V3 to goal with a trailing defender. Clinical execution, clinical finish under pressure on the worlds biggest stage. Try the following activity with your players and reference Cavani and Uruguay.

3V3/3V4 to Goal

Setup:

3V3/3V4 to goal with one and two recovery defenders. Set up as shown, divide your team into attacking and defending players.

Instructions:

3V3: The two attacking green players pass the ball back and forth, on the third or fourth pass both of them can join the attack. They can attack by either dribbling into space or combining with the center forward. Once the third or fourth pass occurs one of the defenders highlighted in yellow can recover and defend making it a 3V3 to goal. Progression: both recovery defenders highlighted in yellow can join making it a 3V4 to goal.

Coaching Points:

Speed of play and speed of thought to goal. Can the primary defender step in front of the center forward and win the entry ball or should he remain goal side? Can the primary defender win a through ball and/or step to the ball penetrating on the dribble and within shooting distance? The attackers could find themselves in a numbers down situation if they don’t execute quickly to goal.