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6 vs. 6 vs. 3 40x40 yard grid Create two teams of 6 and a third team of central midfielders (3). This is a pure possession exercise wherein the entire group works on possessing the ball numbers-down, and the central midfielders in particular have to find each other under tremendous pressure. The two teams of 6 earn a point for every 4 passes connected and the group of three get a point for each pass they connect. This exercise is useful for the triangle members in that they must constantly coordinate against heavy odds to both win the ball and also to keep the ball once it’s won. Interestingly, the frequent result of this game is that the triangle members outwork everyone else and win the game going away, giving the coach the opportunity to reinforce the value and necessity of high work rates all over the field and particularly in the triangle midfield. Coach: • Triangle members must have tremendous awareness and be able to think ahead. Attacking or defending on an individual basis is futile in this setting and triangle members must constantly have their heads ‘on a swivel’ to detect pressure, find support and cordon the ball defensively. • Communication. Relatedly, the triangle members must provide constant feedback to one-another as an additional means of controlling and directing the game. • Triangle members should think about how to be successful on both sides of the ball. They will not be able to win much of the ball against such odds by simply running around, but two (or three) of them may find opportunities to isolate and win the ball through coordination. • Transition. The triangle is the engine of the team and it is frequently the scene of transition one way and then the other in the game. Triangle members must learn to maintain a jogging pace with play and then be able to ramp up for frequent, short sprints in transition, and they must constantly remain mentally in tune with the game. There are very few breaks for the triangle members. • Movement off of the ball. The triangle members must learn to read that when one of their teammates wins the ball and is under pressure, another player must move to the ball immediately in support. If at any time they find space, dribbling the ball and/or wider spacing and or longer passes are desirable to imbalance the opposing teams. Variations: • All play is with the off foot. • No verbal communication. This may seem counter-intuitive, but in short stints it is a useful means of both making players appreciate the importance of verbal communication and also forcing them to do more assessing with their eyes. • Award points for combination play. Give the triangle members extra points for combinations (i.e. 3 per combination).