3v3 Training – Inspired by Legends: Cristiano Ronaldo

An excerpt from Peter Prickett’s 3v3: Inspired By Legends:

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Country – Portugal

Club(s) – Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr

Goals – Club 750+, Country 125+

Notable achievements – UEFA European Championship 2016, Four times UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017 & 2018), Three times Premier League, Two times La Liga, Two times Serie A, Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017), FIFA World Player of the Year 2008

Key characteristics – Lethal goalscoring, capable of scoring with both feet and from a variety of angles and distances, exceptional leaping ability, tremendous flexibility, agility and athleticism, high speed dribbling skills including step overs and the “chop”

Profile – Messi and Ronaldo. It seemed that Ronaldo and Messi drove each other onwards, when one scored a hat-trick the other would respond with four. The world has been fortunate to have two of the most luminous scoring talents in football history playing at the same time, dominating the Ballon d’Or awards for over a decade. Ronaldo developed from an exciting but wasteful dribbler into a ruthless, efficient goal machine. Ronaldo was the epitome of the driven, self-made, achiever. Always doing what was needed for his team and himself to come out on top as winners.

Highlighted Attribute – Moves to create space. Ronaldo was excellent at using a small move or trick to make space to shoot.

When players are attempting to replicate Ronaldo’ skill set can they –

  • Shift the ball quickly.
  • Hide the ball.
  • Get the shot away quickly.
  • Use defenders to hide the shot from the goalkeeper.

Game 1

Two goals at each end. Players are free to move anywhere, and if they dribble across the mid-line before scoring, then their goal is worth 2 points.

Game 2

Players are free to move anywhere and score in any way.

There is a bonus point for crossing the mid-line before scoring, and an additional bonus point for crossing the mid-line with a chop.

Game 3

The pitch is set up with offset goals. Three versus three plus goalkeepers, and teams compete to reach level 3. Once all players have completed the challenge the game is over.

Level 1 – All outfield players score a goal.

Level 2 – All outfield players dribble across the mid-line and score.

Level 3 – All outfield players cross the mid-line with a chop and score.