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
3-5-2 formation drills. Three at the back. Five in midfield.
The 3-5-2 is three centre-backs, five midfielders (two wing-backs and three central) and two strikers. These practices are tagged for the 3-5-2 in the Touchtight Club library, each with the setup and key coaching points.
Touchtight Club has 34 practices for this page (as of October 2026). Below: 12 practice outlines.
Age
Topic
Formation3-5-2
Practices
3-5-2 drills and practices
12 of 12 shown
54-P9 · Functional practice
Break Lines to Attack
This 4 v 4 + 3 possession rondo sharpens build-up play, focusing on a back 3 and midfield 3 while incorporating floaters for fluid movement.
97-P6 · Small-sided game
Build from the Back Game (352)
This small-sided game challenges players to break down defensive pressure and build attacks from the back effectively in a 352.
69-P10 · Phase of play
Defending as a Midfield Three
This phase of play sharpens the defensive awareness of a midfield three, focusing on staying compact and protecting central spaces.
10-P1 · Rondo
Defensive Pressure: Rondo Based
This 7 v 2 rondo is aimed at recognising moments to press as a pair.
10-P11 · Medium-sided game
High Press to Win Possession
This medium sided game takes place on half of a pitch and develops attackers ability to press high and win possession in the final 3rd.
89-P7 · Pattern of play
Midfield Shape to Stop Penetration (CDM)
This practice takes place in a 24 by 30-yard area and focuses on developing a compact midfield to stop penetrating passes.
37-P9 · Functional practice
Quick Transitions to Defend
This functional practice takes place in a full half of a pitch and focuses on developing quick defensive transitions.
01-P6 · Small-sided game
Small Sided Game: Attacking Centrally
This Small Sided Game is designed to encourage players to attack effectively in central areas, building on the Technical & Skill practices.
33-P6 · Small-sided game
Small Sided Game: Penetrating with Overloads
Small Sided Game to Penetrate with a 352 Base!
43-P6 · Small-sided game
Support The Attack! (SSG)
This SSG takes place in a 25 by 35-yard area and focuses on developing players penetrating passing & movement to support the attack.
93-P7 · Pattern of play
Wide Rotations & Crosses to Finish
This pattern of play practice is designed to enhance player rotations, combinations, and precise deliveries to finish.
These are 12 of the 34 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
Five midfielders help the team win the middle of the pitch, and the two strikers give a clear target. The wing-backs provide the width.
What to coach
The wing-backs’ positioning in and out of possession, how the three central midfielders support each other, and how the back three cover when the wing-backs push on.
Out of possession
The wing-backs drop to make a back five. Coach when they drop and who covers the space they leave.
Questions
What coaches ask.
- What is the 3-5-2 formation?
- The 3-5-2 has three central defenders, five midfielders including two wing-backs, and two strikers, plus the goalkeeper.
- Which age group should use the 3-5-2?
- 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).