3v1 - Attacking the Goal

Chris Johnson 87,440 Views Rating 3.79 (29 Reviews)

This attacking soccer drill focus on the attacking movement and composure in front of the goal. Players will become comfortable in front of the goal and will be able to recognize situational play.

Soccer Drill Diagram: 3v1 - Attacking the Goal

3v1 Attacking the Goal, Soccer Finishing Drill

This attacking soccer drill focus on the attacking movement and composure in front of the goal.
Drill Setup

  1. Designate 2-3 defenders in red to rotate 1 at a time every 2-3 attacks.
  2. Players create 3 lines (left, center, right) about 20-25 yards from the goal. 
  3. Place a keeper in the goal. 
  4. The ball should start with the center player.
Drill Instructions

  1. The center player starts with the ball and 1 player from each group attacks the defender (playing 3v1). 
  2. The attackers put together quick and accurate passes to off balance the defender and keeper in an attempt to score. 
  3. Rotate defenders after 2-3 attacks.
Drill Variations

  • Limit touches to 1 or 2 touch
  • Add a 2nd defender
Drill Coaching Points

  • Make sure passes are quick and to feet
  • Find back-side players to off-balance the defenders
  • Be patient, and if the attackers get in trouble, they should knock it back to the center player to swing the play in the other direction
  • Play QUICK. If the play is too slow, the ball is considered dead, and the next group begins.
  • Outside attackers should attempt to draw the defender and keeper into them, and slide the ball backside to the open player.

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 150,738 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 550,251 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 468,592 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 697,403 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 329,511 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 237,405 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 189,864 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 773,584 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 328,780 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 675,819 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.