3 V 3 Transition Game with Zones
Objective: This exercise focuses on anaerobic conditioning and repeated sprint ability
Set-up and directions: Divide your players into groups of three. Set up a 45 by 25 yard playing area with
2 regulation-sized goals at each end of the pitch. Divide the playing area into three horizontal zones, all
15 yards in length (Figure 8.10). There should be a goalkeeper in each net.
This is a 3 v 3 (plus goalkeepers) game with a few conditions. The defending team is only allowed to
tackle in their defensive third/zone. The attacking team cannot score until all their players are in the
attacking third of the field. When travelling through the middle third, the player in possession of the ball
must speed dribble.
Figure 8.10Work-to-rest Ratio: Play games that are 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length then have those teams rest for
about 4 to 5 minutes. Ensure that both goalkeepers as well as the coach have a multitude of balls. Play
should resume as quickly as possible after a ball goes out for a goal kick or throw-in.