2v1 & 3v2 – Common Problems & Solutions

Below are the most common problems you will likely face along with solutions in terms of coaching points and advice for your players. If you encounter other problems, please post details in the comments on this page and your issue will be addressed.

2v1 & 3v2 Attacking:

Problem: Defender(s) intercepts ball easily or tackles player

Solution: Overlaps are CRUCIAL for this exercise! In the 2v1, if the speed and timing of the overlap is good, it is very difficult for the defender to track and cover both players. In the 3v2 version, the same thing applies. If there is an overlap along with additional movement off the ball, the two defenders cannot cover all three players. Encourage your players to be constantly moving off the ball to create passing options and also to drag defenders out of areas which their teammates can then exploit.

Problem: Defender(s) get beat too easily and don’t try hard enough

Solution: Explain to your players how important it is to be able to defend when the opposition have more numbers as this is going to happen often in games. Encourage your players to take real pride in every single play and experiment with different approaches (aggressively pressing the player with the ball, holding off and jockeying the player with the ball, trying to stay between both players etc).

Problem: Not enough goals being scored

Solution: Tell your players that they do not have to create the perfect opportunity with lots of space in order to shoot. Explain that they simply need to create enough space to take a shot with a reasonable chance of scoring (taking into account the position of the keeper and how far they are away from the goal).