Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): 2v1 to endlines

2v1s introduce the concept of making decisions and improving cognitive development in understanding the game of soccer. Essentially, in soccer, the two main decisions on the ball are to dribble or pass the ball and this will help young players understand this. 2v2 would be the next step, but this gives the attackers more chance for success, which is the aim for the coach.

Equally, it's important for defenders to be able to defend correctly and transition to attacking. Playing to end lines is more game-like and can help develop 1v1s than perhaps playing to goal, as, especially a younger player might feel the need to just shoot when they see a goal.

Equipment & Setup

10x15yd zones

players in pairs at one end and individuals at the other end - 2 pairs and 4 individuals per zone (6 per zone)

balls at one end between a pair taking in turns to start with the ball

Directions

Players at one end are attackers and try and dribble to the opposite end line. The defenders try and stop them by poke tackling, gaining possession and transitioning to the attacker's endline. If the ball goes out, the players rejoin the line. If the attacker successfully reaches the end line, they get a point. If the defender tackles they get a point, if they can dribble to the attacker's end line they get an extra point.

Give them 2-3 minutes to get enough reps in, but they will tire quickly so be mindful. At the end of the 2-3 minutes, switch teams around and let the attackers defend and vice versa. After that, you can switch groups between zones.

Change difficulty

• Make the grid smaller to make it easier for defenders, and bigger to make it easier for the attacking team
• Make the endline zone smaller so the players have a smaller area to dribble to
• Introduce a points system between the attacking and defending team
• Have the players go to mini goals

Coaching Points

Attackers

• With the ball - What are your choices? Space or no support - dribble! Have a teammate in space, near the goal/end line? Pass!
• Without the ball - lose the defender, get into space and ask for the ball!
• Attack the space - if there's room to dribble, accelerate and make up as much ground as possible.
• Change speed, and direction and be unpredictable - when approaching a defender, slow down and make it as difficult as possible for the defender to read your decision

Don't dive in! Try and slow the attacker down, approach side-on and wait for a good moment to get the ball!

Communicate - let each other know who is going to the ball and who will watch the other player/help their teammate
Pressure and Cover - the nearest player goes to the ball and the other covers the space behind ready for the attacker to pass or dribble

Context to the game

The 2v1 is a great microcosm of the full game. It has all 4 moments of the game - attacking, defending and transition between attacking>defending and defending>attacking. There is so much to be learned about the game within small-sided games like this, with more reps for players and more opportunities for success and learning.