1v1 Race

Key Objectives

This drill develops speedy reactions and forces players to engage in physical confrontation to win the ball, building a competitive edge.

Technical/Coaching Points

• Commitment to make the challenge

• Type of tackle that is appropriate (poke or slide)

• Tackling technique

Organisation

Set up a small pitch with a goal at one end

How to play

The players stand to the side of the coach and face away from the goal

The players must react to the throw from the coach and race to the ball

The first player to the ball becomes the attacker, the second the defender. The defender must use their commitment and tackling or blocking ability to stop the attacker from scoring.

Progression

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

• Take away the goalkeeper

• Alter the distance/direction the coach throws the ball

• Players start facing the goal