Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1v1 Attacking/Defending (Play-Practice-Play)

Core Activity 1: 1v1 Line Soccer (20 mins)

1v1 Line Soccer

One player serves to opposite side to begin 1v1 game. Use various passing and serving techniques such as strong foot, weak foot, flighted balls, striking, etc. Player receiving the ball becomes the attacker and must dribble across opponent's line for a goal to be scored. Defender can counter-attack if the ball is won and score in the opposite direction. If goal is scored, player who lost must return to opposite end of field. Work rate will be very high with players getting minimal rest, so limit to several 3-4 minute rounds. Encourage strong, physical, and competitive play.

Coaching Points:

1. Attacker must drive at and engage the defender with confidence and in a controlled manner, consider exposing the field in more than a simple vertical path. Accelerate to goal after beating defender.

2. Defender must quickly close ground (defend high) and pressure, demonstrate patience, and channel attacker to one side. Reinforce timing of tackle on attacker's move to goal or a poor touch.

Variations:

1. Award one additional point for flighted balls successfully served to opponent without touching the ground

2. Award one additional point for receiving the ball clean with no mistake, or award point to opponent is a mistake is made

3. One player wins their field and selects consequences for the group (instills competition)

The Game (20 mins)

2nd Play Phase: The Game

Options: adjust for your age and number of players; scoring can be line soccer format, shooting on targets, or with goalkeepers (add offside if so).

For Attacking Theme:

1. Consider awarding additional point every time a player beats a defender 1v1 during the right moment of the game (i.e. center-back taking on opposing forward should not happen)

For Defending Theme:

1. Award additonal point when players demonstrate proper defending (approach, angle, distance, patience, timing of tackle, etc.)