24. Triangle Goal Game
How the Drill Works:
Two teams compete against each other, attempting to pass the ball away from pressure and around the triangle goal quickly to score!
Purpose:
Develop speed of play and passing skills. Players improve their ability to move the ball quickly to create openings and space to score.
Diagram:
Setup:
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- Set up a 30×30 yard field.
- Place three flags, or tall cones, in the shape of a triangle in the center of the playing area. The triangle sides should be at least five yards long.
- Divide the players in to two teams and assign jerseys.
- Place one goalkeeper just outside the triangle. The goalkeeper must stay on the outside of the triangle.
- Gather all the soccer balls to one side of the field.
- Play three, five-minute games. Add more time and games as needed. Make coaching points during breaks.
Instructions:
- Two teams attempt to win possession of the ball and score on any side of the triangle goal. Teams attempt to move the ball quickly around the goal and away from pressure to create openings to score.
- The goalkeeper must move around the outside of the triangle as the ball moves around the field.
- When a goal is scored, the ball is immediately live on the other side of the goal.
- Play kick-ins if the ball goes out-of-bounds. If the goalkeeper saves the ball, they play it to the team that was not in possession of the ball.
- Teams get one point each time they can pass the ball through the triangle goal.
- Team with the points at the end of each game wins! Play three, five-minute games. Rotate players and goalkeepers as needed. Make coaching points between games.
Variations:
Number of players – Play 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, etc. Adjust the playing area accordingly.
Number of passes – Teams must complete at least three passes before attempting to score on the triangle goal.
Limit touches – Players have a three, two, or one-touch limit!
Add a neutral player – Add a neutral player to create a numbers advantage for the offensive team. This is helpful if teams are having a hard time connecting passes and scoring.
Coaching Points:
- Vary the size of the field depending on skill level. Add more space if teams are struggling to find space and keep possession of the ball.
- Instruct the players to switch play and move the ball quickly around the field to create openings in the defense and score!
- Encourage players to keep their eyes up to find the openings and play away from pressure.
- Teach the players to be patient. Players should not force passes or shots when the opportunity and space is not there.
- Challenge the players to use their bodies to protect the ball and keep possession for their team.
- Remind the goalkeeper to constantly move and stay involved in the game.
