3v3 Training – Inspired by Legends: Harry Kane

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

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Harry Kane

Country – England

Club(s) – Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, Leicester City

Games – Club 400+, Country 70+

Goals – Club 250+, Country 50+

Notable achievements – UEFA Championship Runner up 2021, UEFA Champions League Runner up 2018/19, FIFA World Cup top scorer 2018, Premier League top scorer three times 2015/16, 2016/17 & 2020/21, Golden Shoe 2023/24

Key characteristics – Lethal penalty box predator, capable of scoring with both feet and his head, scores with both accuracy and power, scores from outside the box as well as in, very good at holding up the ball and linking play, excellent passer.

Profile – Harry Kane established himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers in Europe, but it was not an easy road. It took a number of loan spells and major injuries to regular starters for Kane to get his chance. Once in the team there was no way to leave him out, though; Kane was ruthless in front of goal. Able to score with his right foot and left foot from all angles and distances, Kane is a constant threat. He can also drop into midfield and link the play, but this can detract from his ability to be in goalscoring positions where he is at his most dangerous.

Highlighted Attribute – One-touch finishing. A significant percentage of all goals scored are with one- or two-touch finishes. Harry Kane has scored a vast number of goals with one-touch finishes inside the penalty area.

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

  • Be prepared to strike the ball with one touch.
  • Move their feet quicky to get into position.
  • Recognise which spaces offer the best scoring opportunities.
  • Score with both feet and head.
  • Improvise quickly.

Game 1

Dual wave one-two and finish. Dark grey passes to light grey who sets up a first-time finish for dark grey. The process then repeats with light grey playing the first pass.

Vary the service to create different types of finish.

Game 2

The game is 2v2 in the middle of the pitch, plus goalkeepers and external bounce passers.

A players may score a goal in any way for a point. If a goal is assisted by their team’s external bounce passer, the goal is worth 2 points. If the goal is a one-touch finish following an assist from an external bounce passer, the goal is worth 5 points.

Move the external players to create different angles and types of finish.

Game 3

The play starts with both goalkeepers; they feed their team’s central outfield player.

The outfield player passes to their wide player in the corner box. The ball is then played in for the outfielder to attack and attempt to score. 1 point for a goal plus a bonus if the goal is a one-touch finish (unless it is a rebound, in which case just 1 point is given).

Set a time limit. How many goals can they score in two minutes? Alternatively use a number of balls, how many of the six balls served can be converted?

Progression – Play 1v1 in the centre with one ball.