Soccer Defending Drill: 1v1 – Soccer Coach Theory

Equipment You Need:

Mark out a square approximately 12 yards by 12 (this can be adapted depending on the age range)
Then, at two opposite ends of the square, place two cones down two yards back from the cones that form the square – these form the ‘end zones’
Player 1 starts with the ball at their feet in the middle of the square
Player 2 starts in the middle of one of the end zones

Player 1 passes to player 2
Player 2’s objective is to dribble to the opposite end zone and stay in control of the soccer ball without being tackled by player 1
Players can take turns at defending and attacking or switch roles every few attempts
If the ball leaves the playing area, the drill ends

Player 1 should close the ball down as quickly as possible to prevent player 2 from advancing towards the end zone
Player 1 should have the correct distance and body position in relation to player 2 – side on/knees bent, eyes remain on the ball
Player 1 should aim to prevent player 2 moving towards the end zone
Player 1 should time their tackling and not necessarily dispossess them unless they get a good opportunity to do so

Switch roles and focus on the attacking player instead, giving them coaching tips to beat the defender
Player 2 (attacking player) starts in the center of the playing area, back to player 1. The passed into the feet of the attacking player. So they must control the ball, and attempt to turn to face up to the defender
Multiple (2-4) players around the edge of the playing zone each have a ball. The attacking player starts in the center of the playing zone and asks for the ball off one of the outside players. They receive a pass and attempt to beat the defender.