1v1 Defending

Key Objectives

This practice develops the understanding and technique of pressuring your opponent.

Technical/Coaching Points

• Close the player with the ball down quickly

• Slow down before you get there

• Get low, bend your knees to be able to react quickly

• Keep your eyes on the ball

• Timing of the tackle

• Body shape to show the player away from the gate

Organisation

Set up mini pitches using cones to create a gate to dribble through. Create a mini pitch for each pair of players in your session

How to play

Each player takes it in turns to attempt to dribble through the gate, the defending player that is the focus of your coaching must defend the gate and attempt to stop the opposition player dribbling past and through.

Progression

If your plays find this too easy or too difficult, you could progress the game in the following ways:

• Increase or reduce the size of the target gate