Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 1v1 Progress to 2v2 Game

Animation - 1v1 Progress to 2v2 Game (20 mins)

Instructions:

• Use a 3v3 (30x20) space or a bit smaller depending on your age group

• Set up a goal on each endline as normal

• Coach is positioned on the sideline by the halfway line with a set of soccer balls

• Teams are split into two teams evenly and positioned two yards away from the sides of their goal behind the endline

• First ball is played into either team and a 1v1 game takes place until the ball is out of play or scored; the two players rotate off quickly,

• The second ball is played to either team but its now 2 players from each team making it a 2v2

• Alternate between 1v1s and 2v2s rapidly, but make sure players are rotating so they aren’t always the 1v1

• Keep score to make it a competition and run 5 minute or less games

Progressions:

• If you have enough players to do it, expand from the rapidly 1v1 to 2v2 and include a 3v3 or even a 4v4

• Once you hit 4v4, reset to 1v1 and start all over again

• Remember to enlarge the field if doing 3v3 and 4v4 progressions

• This will help players transition from individualized games into team games rapidly

Attacking Coaching Points:

• In the 1v1 situations, encourage no fear of losing the ball; take on the defender and do all you can to score

• In 2v2 and larger games, encourage positional/role awareness (getting in lines, finding the open player, find open space)

Defending Coaching Points:

• In 1v1 situation, player needs to press to win and not give up even if initially beaten

• In 2v2 and larger games, encourage positional/role awareness (press to win, support, block the middle)