Great players dominate their opponent in 1v1 situations, both offensively and defensively! Players must learn to compete directly against an opponent since that very situation will arise many times during competitive games.

The following activities develop from an unopposed warm-up working on the basic attacking aspects of 1v1 frontal duels with feints, changes of speed and direction; the activities then progress to fully opposed 1v1 situations from various angles and areas of the pitch.

Use these activities to develop your players individual Attacking as well as Defensive qualities.

1.

Setup:

Squad is organised into 2 groups of 10 Players (only 1 group illustrated).

Instructions:

WARMUP / 1v1 DEVELOPMENT:

Players dribble towards the central mannequin (Defender), perform a feint / move and dribble to the opposite side. Players (A) + (B) move at the same time; (C) + (D) then perform the same sequence.

Play is continuous.

Feints / Moves to include the use of both feet and to the left / right of the Defender.

Coaching Points:

• Change of Direction and Change of Speed are vital to get beyond the Defender
• Deception; use of body movements to unbalance Defender

2.

Setup:

Squad is organised into 2 groups of 10 Players (only 1 group illustrated). Each group of 10 is split into two teams (Red + Black in diagram).

A central 5mx5m coned area is created in the centre of the playing area as shown.

Instructions:

1v1 DEVELOPMENT – OPPOSED:

Players attempt to beat the Defender positioned inside the 5×5 central area: In the diagram, Red (A) is running at the Black Defender; if successful, the next player immediately runs at the SAME Defender. If the Defender wins possession or forces the player out of the central grid the roles immediately reverse with Players (C or D) attacking the Red Defender.

Play is continuous.

Keep score.

Coaching Points:

• Attackers:
  • Change of Direction and Change of Speed are vital to get beyond the Defender
  • Deception; use of body movements to unbalance Defender
• Defenders:
  • Force the attacker to one side
  • Get low – athletic position
  • Body contact – don’t allow the Attacker to skip through without contact

3.

Setup:

A central 5mx5m coned area is created in the centre of the playing area as shown.

Instructions:

Players (C or D) attacking the Red Defender. Play is continuous. Keep score.

Coaching Points:

• Body contact – don’t allow the Attacker to skip through without contact

4.

Setup:

Squad is split into 2 groups of 10 Players as shown.

Attacking team (Red in diagram) is split into Right-side and Left-side. Black team acts as the Defensive team and is positioned in 2 groups of 5 centrally.

Instructions:

DOMINATING 1v1 SITUATIONS – FRONTAL ATTACK:

Play starts with a pass from the Coach (C) into the space in front of Attacker (A); the Defender must remain at the designated cone until the Coach passes the ball. The Defender must attempt to prevent the Attacker from shooting / scoring.

Alternate Right + Left side attacks.

Change roles – allow Black to Attack / Red to Defend.

Coaching Points:

• Attacking Players:
  • Go at pace – be direct
  • Feints / Deception if needed to beat Defender
• Defenders:
  • Sprint but arrive controlled
  • Dont ‘dive-in’ to win ball – backpedal to delay
  • Don’t allow Attacker to cut inside – push wide if possible
  • Block shots to far post (Goalkeeper will save near-post)

5.

Setup:

Squad is split into 2 Groups and positioned opposite each other as shown. A supply if balls is placed next to Goal (A). Goalkeepers in full-size goals.

Instructions:

1v1 DUELS GAME:

Team at Goal (A) is designated as the Defensive Team (Red in diagram). Play starts with a pass from Red diagonally to the Black opponent / attacker; Red must now immediately enter the playing area as the Defender. The Attacking player must receive the ball and immediately drive at the oncoming (Red) Defender. Attacker must attempt to score in Goal (A); if Defender wins possession he can score in Goal (B).

Play is continuous and keep score.

Change roles – Red now attacks.

Coaching Points:

• Attacking Players:
  • Go at pace – be direct
  • Feints / Deception if needed to beat Defender
  • Quality of finishing from various angles
• Defenders:
  • Sprint but arrive controlled
  • Dont ‘dive-in’ to win ball – backpedal to delay
  • Don’t allow Attacker to cut inside – push wide if possible
  • Block shots to far post (Goalkeeper will save near-post)