Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1v1 Attack & Defend

1v1 Attack & Defend

1v1 Attack & Defend

One line of players near half-field, with one defender on the field. The first player in line dribbles out and attempts to score. Once the ball goes out of play or the defender wins possession, the attacker becomes the new defender, and the next player in line starts to attack. The previous defender leaves the field to keep the game a 1v1.

Attacker Coaching Points:

• Attack with speed to exploit the space available before the defender can react
• Dribble using little touches to keep the ball close and away from the defender
• Use change-of-direction or other skills to evade and/or trick the defender

Defender Coaching Points:

• Stay low and use proper athletic stance to stay with the attacker
• Position yourself between the attacker and the goal at all times to deny shots
• Rather than attempting to win the ball, be patient and focus on your positioning first

Once players are successful, add challenge and layers by playing 2v2 with the same rules of the game. Can the players work together, both as defenders and attackers, by communicating and passing?