Unlock the 2 & 3

Here is a basic and effective way to work on building out of the back with your 2 & 3. Focusing on smaller numbers will maximize your repetitions and help provide the details needed to work on position specific movements realistic to the game. Adjust the size appropriately to fit your age and level. Enjoy!


1.

Setup:

Possession grid set up as shown in a 26X34 wide playing area. 7V4 position specific possession.

Unlock the 2 & 3 | SoccerSpecific.com
Diagram A

Instructions:

The GK dictates the point of attack from behind. The red team must connect through the 6 before they can play forward into the path of the 2 or 3. The 2 or 3 must combine with the 8 or 10 before finding the 9. If the yellow team wins possession, they spread out and keep possession 4V3 in the playing area.

Coaching Points:

Progressions include: Adding a fifth yellow defender that can go in either half to defend. Yellow players can press the 2 and 3 outside the playing area. Limit the touches of the 1, 6, 8, and 10 to encourage timely runs of the 2 & 3. The GK could be replaced with the 4 or 5.

2.

Setup:

Same size possession grid set up as before 26X34 wide playing area. 7V4+GK position specific possession. Two small counter goals for the yellow team to score on and a large goal for the red nine to score on.

Unlock the 2 & 3 | SoccerSpecific.com
Diagram B

Instructions:

The GK dictates the point of attack from behind. The red team must connect through the 6 before they can play forward into the path of the 2 or 3. The 2 or 3 must combine with the 8 or 10 before finding the 9. The 9 can go to goal if on. If the yellow team wins possession, they spread out and keep possession 4V3 in the playing area and try to score on the two small counter goals.

Coaching Points:

Same progressions as before plus the GK can defend either two small counter goals. The yellow defenders can defend and track the 9 when going to goal. Force the reds to get a certain amount of passes before going to goal.

3.

Setup:

7V7 match, red organized in a 2-1-2-1 and yellow organized in a 2-3-1. 36X44 wide playing area.

Unlock the 2 & 3 | SoccerSpecific.com
Diagram C

Instructions:

Normal soccer rules apply. Try and maximize the width of the area and look to combine through the 2 and 3. Unlock the width by finding the 6, 8, and 10. Make sure the 9 provides height and is aggressive to goal.

Coaching Points:

All previous coaching points.