Compass Keepaway 4v1
Four outside players protect the ball in a compact square while one defender presses; each pass should move the defender and reveal the next support angle.
- 12 min
- 5–8 players
Drill · U14
Triangle Split and Counter
Six attackers move the ball around a three-player triangle screen, find a ground pass between its two covering defenders, then react when a regain turns into a four-goal counterattack.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 9–12 (ideal 9)
- Passing
- Possession
- Scanning
- Transition
- Defending
Setup
Step 1 of 3
Six blue attackers split three either side of the three yellow triangle corners. Three red defenders begin inside. Only one may leave to press; the other two protect the triangle. Four edge goals are for a defensive regain.
Coaching points
- Setup: Mark an 18 × 14 m field with a mini-goal centred on each edge. Three yellow markers at (6,3), (6,11) and (12,7) m form the central triangle shown. Six attackers split three to each side; three defenders start inside. Use one ball.
- Play: Attackers circulate outside the triangle and score one for a controlled reception on the opposite side from a ground pass that crosses the triangle between the two screening defenders. Going around it keeps possession but earns no point. The receiver continues play from that side.
- Pressing: One defender may step outside the triangle towards the ball. The other two stay within its corners and adjust their screen. Before another defender leaves, the current presser must return inside. Attackers stay outside the triangle during possession and do not cross it to receive.
- Transition: A clean defensive interception releases all three defenders from the triangle. They combine or carry towards any of the four mini-goals and earn one for a ground finish. All six attackers can recover across the field and intercept. Stop after a goal, ball out, or an attacker regains.
- Reset: After a counter ends or the ball goes out, the coach supplies a spare to an attacker on the opposite side. Wait until all three defenders are back in the triangle. Retrieve loose balls while play is stopped; do not put a second ball into a live counter.
- Rotation and time: Allow one minute to organise, then four two-minute bouts with a one-minute break between bouts: 12 minutes total. During each break swap the three defenders with one attacking trio, alternate the trio next time, and change attacking positions.
- Numbers: Nine play at once. With 10–12, spare players rest safely outside the field and swap one-for-one at a stopped restart about every 30 seconds; rotate the rested role fairly. Keep six attackers and three defenders on the field.
- Coach focus: Look at both covering defenders before receiving. Use support and pass weight to move the presser, wait if the screen stays connected, then send a firm controlled ground pass through the gap. Receivers offer a visible angle rather than standing behind a defender.
- Coach the counter: On a regain, look up for the clearest goal or supporting teammate. Former attackers react together to protect nearby goals. Defenders communicate who presses and who covers; recover into the triangle before the next possession starts.
- Safety: Secure goals and keep run-off space clear. Use controlled ground passes and interception of travelling or exposed balls; no sliding, pushing or challenging an occupied foot. Pause when routes converge, reduce speed or enlarge the field if control deteriorates.
Equipment
- Ball · 3, one in play and two spares outside the field
- Flat Marker · 7: four field corners and three triangle corners
- Four secured mini-goals · 4, one centred on each field edge
- Bib · 9–12, with three in the defending colour
Progressions
- Easier Enlarge the field to 20 × 16 m and let the presser walk. Allow extra touches while attackers learn to see both screening defenders. Keep the triangle and four-goal counter; stop and reset if play becomes crowded.
- Harder Use two touches for outside circulation, with an extra settling touch after a successful split. On a regain, ask defenders to connect one controlled pass before finishing. Keep one presser outside and the same interception-only opposition.
