1v1

A series of 1v1 exercises influenced by @CoerverCoaching

@benloney
  

1v1-4v4 Four Goal Game

Created with www.SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: Competing 1v 1 one working on taking players on and explosive speed with cool finishing.

Description: Coach plays the ball out for the desired number of players from the 2 teams to compete for the
ball. Players can score in any of the 4 goals.

Coaching Points: Be first to the ball, skills, feints’, cuts, and acceleration, head up. Creating space, movement off
the ball and types of runs, playing to space. Dribbling technique and first touch, quality and
type of pass.

Progression: 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, Teams have to finish first time, players cannot score in goal that was just scored in.
Players can compete in 3's 1v1v1.

@benloney
  

1v1 and 2v2 Stop-Starts and Turn Moves

Objective: Competitive 1v1 use of skills, turns, stop-starts and getting away from a player.

Description: Coach passes the ball out and the next 2 competing players in line race to the ball and try to
score into one of the two opposite facing small goals
Encourage turns and stop start moves
First team to 10 goals
*** can have more than one group out at the same time
***Players can serve themselves.

Coaching Points: First to the ball

Disguise, including on first touch. Drop shoulder Do
not turn into player
Simple touch to finish and not a shot
Speed of play, speed of footwork.

Progression: Play 2v2 score for a point, or team in possession after limited time scores a point
1v1v1

@benloney
  

1v1- 4v4 Scoring on Either Side of the Kick Back

Created with www.SoccerTuto r.com Tactics Manager

Objective: To work fast attacking opportunities whilst also passing and moving the ball switch ing and
circulating the ball.
Description: Coach plays the ball out for the two teams to compete. 1v1 up to 4v4. Both teams compete for the
ball and look to shoot on either side of the kick back. The keeper has to defend both sides.

Coaching Points: Passing and moving - Creating angles

Working an opening to shoot
Switching the play
Spacing out and providing deeper options.
Defending - when to double up and make numbers up, blocking shots

Progression: Vary the numbers

@benloney
  

1v1 - 2v2 to End-line and Middle Goals

Objective: 1v1 skill, movement, cuts turns and finishing

Description: Blue plays a pass into the next Red player in line and then tries to defend the Red from scoring in
the middle goals. If blue wins the ball they can attempt to score in the end line goals

Coaching Points: Speed of play

Dribbling technique Control
Closing down
Switching play with cuts and turns

Progression: 2v2 replace end line goal with regular goal.

@benloney
  

1v1 Wide Player Pressure

Objective: Teaching the wide player to pressure

Description: Keeper rolls the ball out to the wide defender. That player then tries to play the ball through the
gate in front. The opposite wide defender must apply immediate pressure denying the pass or
dribble through the gate. Defender can force the ball from the attacker. When they win the ball
they attempt to score in the regular goal. 2 points for dribbling through the gate one for passing.
Players swap sides from defending to attacking with their teammates.

Coaching Points: Speed and angle of approach. Aggressiveness. Body shape and awareness of the goal behind
them.

Progression: Swap sides

Ask Keeper to distribute to the defender further up the field. Ask keeper to player attacker in to
work on the defensive approach.

@benloney
  

1v1 Tracking and Covering - Stops and Starts

Objective: Defenders learn to track and deny space , prevent attackers from getting into the space behind and
deny clear shooting chances. Attackers work on technical dribbling skill.

Description: Coach serves a ball into either line. The first attacking player receives the ball and dribbles
looking to use stop-starts and turns to beat the defender that is tracking. If the player cannot find
a quick way to beat the defender they can pass the ball to the next player in any of the two lines
(tagging). If the defender wins the ball, possession is switched to the other team. Players rotates
lines getting a chance to defend and attack

Coaching Points: Speed of play, use of tricks and turns, feints and faces, acceleration. Attacking space at speed.
Jockeying, covering angles, timing, patience. Keeping the flow of the attack. Denying space ,
blocking shots, speed of play,

Progression: Make it into a team game. Make it a 2v2 (extra coaching points will arise when working in
groups) (movement off the ball, communication etc.)

@benloney
  

1v1 Tracking and Covering - Stops and Starts

Objective: 1v1 attacking and defending, finding space to finish.

Description: Each player is paired off with a player from the opposing team. Two players compete 1v1. If the
player cannot find space to finish and is under pressure to give the ball up, the can play to an
outside player in the same team. They will replace one another. The idea is to keep the ball
moving quickly whilst trying to catch the opposing team off guard creating scoring chances.

Coaching Points: Speed of play, use of tricks and turns, acceleration. Jockeying, angles, timing, patience, stop­ starts.
Crossovers and take overs.

Progression: make 2v2

@benloney
  

1v1 Dribbling and Defending Technique to Goal

Created with www.Socce rTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: To improve dribbling and defending technique - Forcing the attacker away from area.

Description: In groups of 4/5. The coach plays the ball out to the first attacker as the first defender close
down the attacker, then jockey the defender until they get into their half. They are then allowed
to steal the ball (doesn't mean they should). The attacker will try to find space away from the
defender to shoot or get beyond them. The defender will try to force into the yellow shaded
areas in the corner. Defenders can counter attack to score in the opposite empty goal. Change
sides each time

Coaching Points: Outside of the foot to dribble with manipulations with other surfaces. Eyes up looking forward keep
the ball in front. Defending posture, 3 P's pressure, posture and patience. Fast feet side on
moving them quickly. Eyes on the ball. Blocking shots, angle, speed and timing of approach.

Progression: Take into a 2v2 situation to goal and then scrimmage.

@benloney
  

1v1 to Central Goals

Objective: Attacking at speed with Cuts and skills.

Description: Players line up each with a ball. First player attacks scoring into the opposing goal after crossing the 5
yard line. That player after shooting must then turn and defend the next player.
If the defender wins the ball, they can score in the opposing goal. Play to set number of goals or
time period.

Coaching Points: Speed of the attack including importance of first touch and being ready.
Immediate recovery
Timing of the skill or the cut.
Big touch to get away from defender. Quality
of finish

Progression: Play 2v1 the shooter doe not defend

Play 2v2 shooter touch the goal they shoot on before scoring Play 2v2
without restrictions

@benloney
  

1v1 to 2 Wide Goals

Objective: Attacking at speed with Cuts and skills.

Description: Players line up each with a ball. First player attacks scoring in any of the 2 goals after
crossing the 5 yard line. That player after shooting must turn and defend the next player.
If the defender wins the ball they can dribble through poles to jo in line. The player without the
ball remains on the field to defend the next player.

Coaching Points: Speed of the attack including importance of first touch and being ready.
Choice of goal to attack. Timing
of the skill or the cut.
Big touch to get away from defender.
Quality of finish

Progression: Move the finishing line closer, encourage that players can score from deeper with a pass Make
2 teams and stand them side by side to create competitive edge. They can score into any goal.
Play first to 10 goals

@benloney
  

1v1 to 2 wide goals (variation 1)

Objective: Attacking at speed with Cuts and skills

Description: Players line up each with a ball. First player attacks scoring in any of the 2 goals after crossing the 5
yard line. That player after shooting must turn and defend the next player from the other team.
If the defender wins the ball they can dribble through poles to join their line. The player without the
ball remains on the field to defend the next player.

Coaching Points: Speed of the attack including importance of first touch and being ready.
Choice of goal to attack. Timing
of the skill or the cut.
Big touch to get away from defender.
Quality of finish

Progression: Can use big goals and keepers to improve shooting and attitude to shooting. Adjus tthe field size and
make exercise as realistic as possible.

@benloney
  

1v1 to 2 Small Goals (Crisscross)

Created with www.Socce utor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: Dribble to beat a man. Skill and 1v 1

Description: Blue player passes the ball out to the Red player and then tries to defend them as they go 1v 1.
Cannot score until within 5yds of the goal. If the defender wins the ball back they can
score in opponents goal. Both lines can go at the same time, make sure players change lines after
each round. Play to a set number of points. This exercise can be used as a good warm up when
the passing player acts as a shadow defender.

Coaching Points: Speed of play, attacking space and defenders, big touch for acceleration. Composed finish.
Skills, trick moves, dribbling technique , steady touch to finish

Progression: Take to big goals and even progress to 2v2.

@benloney
  

1v1 to Central Goals Finishing

Objective: Attacking at speed with Cuts and skills

Description: Players line up each with a ball. First player passes the ball into the coach and the coach plays
the ball off for the attacker to score in the opposing goal. Attacking player after shooting must
turn and defend the next player after recovering through the cones.
Defender concentrates on quick recovery and blocking shots.
Variations: 1 touch,

Coaching Points: Quality pass into coach, weight, which

Immediate recovery
Head up but keep eye on the ball. Quality
of finish

Progression: Play to regular goals with keepers. Work on the left foot.

@benloney
  

1v1 Finishing and Defensive Recovery

Created with www.SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: To improve clinical finishing under pressure.

Description: Players line up in two lines. Defenders and Attackers. The first defender dribbles the ball and
stops it in front of the attacker on the line. Once the ball has been stopped the attacker takes the
ball and tries to finish. Defender after stopping the ball must sprint around cone and deny the
chance to score. Attacker must take a touch forward to shoot. You can place a line that they have
to cross before finishing.

Coaching Points: Stopping the ball, recovery defending,first touch from the attacker,where the first touch goes,
head up, choice of finishing surface, across the keeper or the near post? Brave blocking/sliding.
Follow up the keeper at speed . Shoot with foot furthest from the defender.

Progression: Pass the ball into the coach for a wall pass before finishing.

@benloney
  

1v1 Finishing and Defensive Recovery (Passing Variation)

Objective: To improve clinical finishing under pressure.

Description: Players line up in two lines. Defenders and Attackers. The first defender dribbles the ball and
stops it in front of the attacker on the line. Once the ball has been stopped the attacker tpasses to
the coach for a one time layoff for the attacker to finish. Defender after stopping the ball must
sprint around cone and deny the chance to score.

Coaching Points: Stopping the ball, recovery defending,first touch from the attacker,where the first touch goes,
head up, choice of finishing surface, across the keeper or the near post? Brave blocking/sliding.
Follow up the keeper at speed. Shoot with foot furthest from the defender.

Progression: you can allow the attacker to only play 1st time on pass and finish

@benloney
  

1v1 End Line Tag Game

Created with www.SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: This game is best for skills and accelerating away from defenders.

Description: First player in each line sprints around the pole on their right and enters the channel. One team
are the defenders and the other team are attackers. The defender has to tag the attacker who is
trying to cross their end line for a point. Must stay in the grid. Player’s change lines every turn.
After a few attempts, the drill is completed with a soccer ball. Dribble to get beyond the line.

Coaching Points: Speed, Feints, dropping the shoulder, disguise, being direct, cutting off angles, timing of approach
and slow down, forcing attacker directionally. Skills. Attacking space
Make your coaching points in order of progression.

Progression: Progress to 2v2, only one player has to cross line to score a point.
coach passes soccer ball in for players to go 1v1 and 2v2.
Add big goals with keepers for attackers to score once they cross the line

@benloney
  

1v1 End line (Finishing)

.

Objective: This game is best for skills and accelerating away from defenders, defending 1v1 and finishing.

Description: First player in each line sprints around the pole on their right and enters the channel. The coach
passes the ball into to the center or chooses a team to paly to. The attacker looks to beat the
defender and score once passing the end line. Once past the end line the defender must allow
the attacker to shoot. If the defender wins the ball, they can attack the opposing goal. Players
must stay in the grid. If players are in teams, they return to their line if not, players change lines
every turn. Start without keepers and then add them .

Coaching Points: Speed, Feints, dropping the shoulder, disguise, being direct, cutting off angles, timing of approach
and slow down, forcing attacker directionally. Skills. Attacking space
Make your coaching points in order of progression.

Progression: Progress to 2v2

@benloney
  

1v1 Dribbling Ladder

Created with www.SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: To improve attacking and defending 1v 1, fitness, technical development.

Description: Players play 2-4 minute 1v 1 games against each other. To score they must dribble through one of
the two wide goals. When they score they turn around to attack the opposite end. 1pt for every
goal scored. If you win you move up, if you lose you move down. If tied, the players can to rock,
paper, scissors or a juggle contest.

Coaching Points: If used as a session for teaching,coaching points should be limited to 1v1 attacking or defending.
If not, let the kids play, with no interventions. Make coaching points between each game if you
need to make them.

Progression: 2v2

@benloney
  

1v1 Dribbling and Defending Technique

Objective: To improve dribbling and defending technique - Forcing the attacker away from area.

Description: In groups of 4/5. The first player with a ball dribbles the ball up to the next player in line and
leaves the ball for them as they jockey the defender. the defender puts themself in a position to
force the attacker through the yellow cones and not the red cones. The defender can hold their
groups but they cannot stick a leg out to win the ball back. The same line repeats the exercise for
a set time and then they reverse roles.

Coaching Points: Outside of the foot to dribble with manipulations with other surfaces. Eyes up looking forward keep
the ball in front. Defending posture, 3 P's pressure, posture and patience. Fast feet side on
moving them quickly. Eyes on the ball.

Progression: Take into a 1v 1 situation to goal

@benloney
  

1v1 Don't Let Attacker Turn

Objective: Pressuring the ball no allowing attacker to turn. (1v 1 Dribbling to 2 small goals)

Description: Red defender passes the ball out to the first blue attacker in the space front of them and closes
them down and gets tight behind not allowing them to turn. They go 1v1, attackers scoring into
one of the 2 small goals and defenders running the ball over the yellow-coned line to score if they
gain possession.

Coaching Points: Immediate tight pressure

Body shape and use of arms
Patience
When to play the ball when not to play

Progression: Take the two small goals away and play to a larger goal with keeper

@benloney
  

1v1 Defending and Decision to Pass or Dribble (Variation)

Objective: Defending angle and technique with attacking decision making. Communicating and
recognizing when to switch attackers to defend. Creativity in attackers decision making.

Description: 1 line of players with the ball pass to the next player in attacking line and then immediately
defend. Attacker can either pass into forward immediately and join in the attack or take touch
and make another decision. The 1st attacker does not have to pass.

Coaching Points: Quality and weight of first pass, decision to take touch, type of touch, quality of pass, attacking the
space, cuts, skills, speed of defending run, angle of run, defensive body shape, patience.
Combining with team mates, runs off the ball.

Progression: Add players and the session becomes a phase of play drill.

@benloney
  

1v1 Cut Through Gate to Score

Created with www.SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager

Objective: This game is best for skills and accelerating away from defenders. Also teaches players to cut
across defenders and finish with both feet. Stop-start moves used frequently.

Description: Coach plays the ball out for the players to compete 1v 1 to score in the in either of the 2 goals.
Before scoring players must look to cut through the gate positioned in front of the goal.

Coaching Points: Be first to the ball, skills, feints, cuts, acceleration, head up. Dribbling technique and first
touch.

Progression: Same drill with keepers and bigger goals.

Make 2v2 with small and/or big goals

@benloney
  

1v1 and 2v2 Defending and Attacking Wide Players

Objective: To improve the players technical ability in defending and dribbling 1v1

Description: 2 lines of players line up either side of the goal. The coach now plays the ball to the wide attacker
for them to attack the goal. The defender sprints out to close the defender down and deny them
from getting close to a shooting chance or the space behind them. The defender looks to force
the attacker to the outside and prevent the player from coming inside to shoot. The longer they
can force them down the line the better. Players on the left can score only between the pole and
the left post, visa versa on opposite side.

Coaching Points: Angle of approach, speed of approach, body shape, patience (delay), posture, positioning. Distance
from player and ball. Ready to race.

Progression: Progress to 2v2.

@benloney