Drop Off Zone
Attackers drop into the free zone to receive, then dribble out and start a 3v3 attack.
Set up
- Mark a grid of about 60 by 30 in 3 sections with a free zone in the middle and a goal at each end.
- Two teams of 7, with 3 players in each half.
Balls, bibs, cones and nets. Grid about 60 by 30 with a free zone in the middle. Two teams of 7.
How to play
- Play always starts from the keeper. Defenders look to play out through the free zone.
- Attackers in the other half must lose their opponent to drop into the free zone and get on the ball. In possession in the free zone, dribble out and start a 3v3 attack.
- A different attacker drops in each time. You can only stay in the free zone for 5 to 10 seconds. A defender can drop in with you.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- If you play the ball in you can join the attack to create a 4v3.
- If you play into the free zone, a different player from your half can join the attack.
- Take out the free zone and see if players can create space to drop into.
Three things to say
- Passes into the free zone: weight, accuracy and timing.
- Curved runs, receiving on the back foot to go forward.
- Speed dribble into space to attack.
Colts habit
Work hard: lose your marker to drop in.
Both feet
Receive in the zone on the back foot, whichever foot that is.
Heads up
Look before you drop in.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.
Keeping score: Each child keeps their own count and tries to beat it next time. Nothing is compared between children.