13-6 3v2 Attack v. defence: Exploiting spaces between defenders - FIFA Training Centre

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
This 3v2 attack vs defence exercise enhances an attacking unit’s ability to exploit spaces between two defenders from the inside channel. The exercise focuses on unit-level aspects such as intelligent positioning to create opportunities for third-player combinations in the final third. The attacking unit must employ clever and aggressive movement to pull the centre-back and full-back apart, then identify the most effective moment to attack the space that has been created. On the ball, attackers must aim to engage their opponents, drawing them out of position to open gaps in the defensive line.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
This drill revolves around the unit scale and focuses on the movement and interplay between 3 attacking players around the opposing centre-back and full-back. The unit must refine their skills and movement when starting an attack from the inside channel and moving toward the defensive line, specifically the opposing centre-back and full-back. The attacking unit can comprise an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward and a winger who drifts inside to connect. They must make short, sharp movements to unbalance the organisation between the centre-back and full-back to create space and opportunities to finish inside the penalty area.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
The exercise is a 3v2 attack vs defence drill conducted within a narrow channel on one side of the goal, emphasizing the space to attack between the centre-back and full-back. The numerical advantage allows attackers to practice third-man combinations and simulate real-game scenarios where an attacker moves from central areas to create an overload near the penalty area. A mannequin represents a second centre-back, serving as a reference point for attackers to time their runs in behind or in front of it, aiming to finish crosses effectively.

A 3v2 scenario is contested in both areas of the central channel.

Organisation

Use half of a full-size pitch, a full-size goal and a goalkeeper.
Mark out two 20m-wide channels on either side of the goal.
Place a mannequin in line with the centre of the goal on the edge of the area as a reference point to represent a second centre-back.
Split the group into 6 attackers and 4 defenders.
Play a 3v2 in the area torwards goal.

Explanation

The ball starts with 1 of the 4 attackers who plays the ball in to one of the other attackers.
The three attackers must move the ball around to create a goalscoring opportunity.
The two defenders must try to delay and prevent the attack.
The remaining players wait outside the area and rotate after each set.

Key coaching points

(1/4) The three attackers should spread out across the width over the playing area in three channels (left, centre, right) to stretch the two defenders and open passing or penetration options.

(2/4) If the defenders look to create a 'strong side' to create a 2v2 situation, attackers should exploit their numerical advantage by playing through or over the defensive shape

(3/4) Off-the-ball players should use feints and deceptive movements to create and exploit space. For example, a short movement can draw the defender out of position, opening space to receive the ball in behind them.

(4/4) Players on the ball can create space for a team-mate by dribbling towards a defender and engaging them. By 'fixing' the defender a teammate can be left unmarked and free to receive.

Roles of the coaches

First coach: leads the session by explaining the exercise to the players and then observes both areas with interjections.
Second coach: monitors and coaches a group of players in one of the areas.
Third coach: observes and encourages players from behind the goal.