97-P8 · Wave of play
3 v 3 Build Up Wave Game
Master build-up play in a back 3 with this wave practice, designed to sharpen possession, passing, and decision-making under pressure.
Formation
3-4-3 formation drills. Three at the back. Width from the wings.
The 3-4-3 is three centre-backs, four midfielders (two wide, two central) and three forwards. These practices are tagged for the 3-4-3 in the Touchtight Club library, each with the setup and key coaching points.
Touchtight Club has 102 practices for this page (as of October 2026). Below: 14 practice outlines.
Age
Topic
Formation3-4-3
Practices
3-4-3 drills and practices
14 of 14 shown
48-P12 · Pattern of play
3rd Man Runs in Behind
This pattern of play develops fullbacks making third-man runs to break in behind the defence, starting from the midfield.
02-P4 · Technical practice
Counter Attacking: Technical
Practice 4 of theme 2 is played in a 30 by 30 yard square, with a GK at each end and 2 groups of players at the side of each goal..
10-P1 · Rondo
Defensive Pressure: Rondo Based
This 7 v 2 rondo is aimed at recognising moments to press as a pair.
99-P11 · Medium-sided game
Exploiting Midfield Overloads
This medium sided game is linked to our 3-2-1 formation series, designed to master phase 2 build-up by playing through midfield.
98-P9 · Functional practice
Exploiting Wide Overloads in the Final 3rd
This functional practice takes place in a 45x50-yard area and is designed to enhance wide players' decision-making in the final third.
46-P6 · Small-sided game
Final Third Game-The City Way
This small-sided game has a 5 v 4 outfield attacking overload and is focused on penetrating passes in the final 3rd, linked to The City Way
99-P4 · Technical practice
Midfield Solutions to Beat the Press (1321)
This technical passing practice focuses on building play from the back and progressing through a 2-3-1 press.
82-P1 · Technical practice
Movement in Behind to Finish
This practice takes place in a 40 by 45-yard area and focuses on developing passing combinations to create opportunities to finish.
28-P8 · Opposed practice
Quick Transfer Rondo
This Phase 1 practice takes place in a 20 by 35-yard area and focuses on developing build up play, movement and forward passing.
43-P1 · Technical practice
Short Passing Combinations
This technical practice takes place in a 15 by 20-yard area and focuses on developing one touch passing combinations
39-P3 · Opposed practice
Switching Play: Opposed Possession
This Possession practice is focused on switching play to create space to transfer. With a focus on the 343, the switch creates space.
01-P4 · Technical practice
Technical Passing: Attacking Centrally
Practice 4 of theme 1 Attacking Centrally, is a technical passing practice that develops player combinations to finish.
66-P10 · Phase of play
Using the 3rd Man Run to Penetrate
Unlock your team's attacking potential with this phase of play practice, designed to break defensive lines using well-timed third-man runs.
These are 14 of the 102 practices in Club for this page. Start a free trial to see them all ↗
Coaching it
How to get more from these practices.
What the shape gives you
Three centre-backs cover the width of the pitch, so the wide midfielders can push on and the front three can attack with numbers.
What to coach
How the wide midfielders balance attacking and defending, and how the three at the back share the space and step out to the ball.
Out of possession
When the wide midfielders drop in, the shape becomes a back five. Coach the timing so the team does not leave space behind them.
Questions
What coaches ask.
- What is the 3-4-3 formation?
- The 3-4-3 uses three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, plus the goalkeeper. The two wide midfielders cover the full length of each side.
- Which age group should use the 3-4-3?
- Formations like this are 11 v 11 shapes. Most leagues move to 11-a-side at U13 or U14 (U14 in England from 2026/27, U13 under U.S. Soccer formats), and younger teams use smaller-sided shapes. Check your league’s rules for your age group.
- Are these practices free?
- The practice outlines on this page are free to read, with the setup and key coaching points for each practice. The full coaching videos, progressions and player questions are in the Touchtight Club library, which you can try free for 14 days (card required).