Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1v1 to endlines

Description

1v1s are a hugely important part of the game and being able to dribble but go past an opponent. 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

10x15 zones

4-5 players to each zone - divided equally or 2 at one end, 3 at the other

balls at one end

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.

4 or 5 players per zone is perfect. They need to get reps in, develop, stay focused and not get bored in a line. 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 round and let the attackers defend and vice versa. After that, you can switch groups between zones.

Change difficulty

• Make the grid smaller
• Make the endline zone smaller so the players have a smaller area to dribble to
• Introduce points system between the attacking and defending teams

Coaching Points

Attackers

• BE BRAVE! Confidence and bravery are rewarded.
• 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

Context to the game

As mentioned before, 1v1s happen all over the field in a game, all the time.