Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Two 1v1 games involving defensive recovery

Screen 1 (20 mins)

Game 1:

Ball placed between Blue and Red players. Blue is the first attacker. Blue does one or more body-only feints trying to get Red to commit, then takes the ball and attempts to score on either goal. Red may not run until ball is touched.

Blue must attempt to finish at the goal they attack first.

If Red wins, they may attack other goal.

Switch roles after each battle.

Progression:

Attacking player may change direction and attack either goal.

Game 2:

Field is set up as shown. Blue is attacker, Red is defender.

Red and Blue play 1-touch from a distance of 4-5 yards. Once 4 passes are made, Blue can receive, exit gate (up, out and around, i.e. no dummies), turn and go to goal at any time. As soon as he does so, Red makes a recovery run through the gate and attempts to intercept.

Progression:

Blue player can come through gate and attack at any time (no minimum pass requirement).

Coaching points on both games:

-Good first touch by attacker

-Speed and composure to finish

-Awareness by the attacker: maintain distance from defender or cut across their path?

-Awareness by defender: catch and engage attacker, or beat them to a spot?