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TITLE: 5v3 Build-Up Play

PLAYERS: 8–10 players

DURATION: 15 minutes

TAGS: U12, U14, U16, Adult, 11-a-side, 9-a-side, 7-a-side, Developing, Advanced, Passing, Small-Sided Games

DESCRIPTION: An overload possession drill in which 5 attacking players work to play through 3 defenders in a defined area. Emphasis is on quick combination play, switching the point of attack, and breaking lines with forward passes.

OBJECTIVES:
- Develop build-up play under numerical advantage
- Improve switching play and finding space between defensive lines
- Practice making decisions quickly in a 5v3 superiority scenario

EQUIPMENT: balls, cones (to mark area), bibs

MAIN ACTIVITY: Mark an area appropriate for 5v3 play (approx. 25x20m). Five attacking players work together to maintain possession and progress through three defenders. The objective is to play a pass to a target player or through a defined end zone. If defenders win the ball, they can pass to a waiting player and switch roles. Restart regularly. Rotate who plays as defenders.

COACHING POINTS:
- Spread out to use the full width and depth of the playing area
- Move the ball quickly — exploit the numerical advantage before defenders re-organise
- Switch play when defenders shift to one side
- The forward pass breaks lines — look for it before going wide or back
- Keep body shape open to receive and play quickly

PROGRESSIONS:
- Easier: allow 3 touches before passing
- Harder: limit to 2 touches; add a pressing trigger (ball is touched twice = press)
- Progress to 5v4 for more realistic defensive pressure
- Add a goal at the end so the team can finish after building through