3 Zone Game: Strikers vs Defenders and Neutrals

• Cones to mark zones
• 2 full-size goals
• Divide into 3 zones according to the diagram

Two teams are formed and 1 to 4 neutral players are selected (depending on team size). In each zone in front of the goal, two strikers play against two defenders. The remaining players of both teams and the neutrals play in the middle field.

The objective is to pass to one's strikers, as only they can score a goal. The goalkeeper must start the game through the defenders. Only the defenders are allowed to pass to the players in the middle zone.

Variations:

• The passer can join as a third attacker in the final third.
• Another player besides the passer can join in the final third.

Coaching Points:

• Use numerical superiority to combine quickly. A player is always free.
• Defenders in the middle zone defend in space but keep an eye on the end zone.
• Defenders in the zone defend very closely behind the striker.

Full field