3V2 Scatter Drill

Summary & Set Up

Put 3 offensive players and 2 defensive players on the crease. Add 4 cones on the perimeter, about 8-10 yards away from the goal. Coach will be outside the playing area, with balls. On the whistle, each offensive player must run around 1 of the 4 cones. Coach will feed a ball in to 1 of those players, and it’s a live 3v2. Let each group get 3-4 reps, then change players

Coaching Points and Principles

• Defensively – Playing short handed, use zone principles to try gn slow down the offense and knock down passes
• Offensively – move the ball quick, find open space, and get quick shots off.

Progressions

• Make 4v3
• Spread the cones out further to challenge the defense more or for less skilled players
• Shrink the cones in, making it harder for more experienced players

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In-Depth Drill Breakdown: 3v2 Quick Decision-Making and Fast Ball Movement

This small-sided 3v2 drill is designed to simulate high-pressure offensive situations where players must move the ball quickly and make fast, smart decisions. It’s a staple in developing offensive IQ and defensive awareness, particularly around the crease area. The drill emphasizes timing, communication, and spatial awareness on both sides of the ball. Perfect for youth through high school players, this drill builds game-like instincts in a compact, high-rep format.

Drill Setup

• Players: 3 offensive players, 2 defensive players, 1 coach with balls
• Area: 8-10 yards outside the crease using 4 perimeter cones
• Equipment: 4 cones, 15+ balls, full pads, 1 goal

1. Position 3 offensive players on the crease.
2. Place 2 defensive players directly in front of the crease—this simulates a tight man-down defense.
3. Set up 4 cones in a square formation 8–10 yards outside the crease. These are the starting points for the offensive players to run around.
4. The coach stands behind or to the side of the cage with a pile of balls, ready to initiate play.

Drill Execution

On the whistle, each offensive player must run around a different cone. As they round the cones, the coach randomly feeds a ball to one of the three players, initiating live play. Once the ball is in play, it’s a full-speed 3v2 to goal. The offensive unit works to create a scoring opportunity using quick passing and movement, while the defenders focus on containment, communication, and reading the offensive intent.

Allow each group to complete 3–4 consecutive reps before rotating players. The pace of the drill allows for high rep counts, maximizing learning and conditioning in a short amount of time.

Coaching Points & Key Principles

Offensive Emphasis

• Ball Movement: Encourage players to move the ball quickly—1- or 2-touch maximum.
• Spacing: Off-ball players should maintain width and depth to stretch the defense.
• Vision: Players must keep their heads up to read defenders and find the open man.
• Finishing: Take high-percentage shots off of quick passes. Avoid holding the ball too long.

Defensive Emphasis

• Zone Principles: With a numbers disadvantage, defenders should communicate and shift together as a unit.
• Stick Positioning: Keep sticks up to clog passing lanes and intercept passes.
• Closeouts: React quickly to ball movement, taking away time and space.

Drill Progressions

Adjusting this drill for player development and challenge level is key. Here are ways to modify it:

• 4v3 Variation: Add a fourth offensive player and a third defender. This increases complexity and mirrors real EMO (Extra Man Offense) play.
• Widen the Cones: Spread the cones out to increase the run-up distance, testing defensive reaction time and allowing less skilled players more time to catch and assess.
• Shrink the Cones: Bring the cones closer to the crease for advanced players. This forces quicker reads, tighter reaction times, and simulates chaos near the crease in real-game conditions.
• Touch Restrictions: Limit offensive players to one-touch passes or quick sticks only.
• Time Constraint: Set a shot clock (e.g., 5–7 seconds) to increase urgency and simulate end-of-clock situations.

Why This Drill Works

This 3v2 format builds core offensive instincts: move off-ball, communicate, and find space. For defenders, it sharpens zone coverage, anticipation, and recovery ability. The randomness of the coach’s feed keeps players engaged and reactive, mimicking unpredictable in-game scenarios. Best of all, it’s a fast-paced drill that players enjoy and coaches can use to teach multiple concepts in one session.