Dominate in 1v1s

1. Two groups (attackers and defenders) start in the middle in pairs. A third group starts on the outside as bounce players
2. Attackers move around the area to receive from a bounce player and pass back. Defenders aim to remain in touching distance of their partner
3. To progress, attackers now receive the ball and must pass to a different bounce player

Practice

Set-up

Mark out several areas relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Each area will have four players – one at each end and two (an attacker and a defender) in the middle.

HOW TO play

The attacker in the middle of the area aims to receive from one end player and transfer the ball to the other end player for a point. They can bounce back to the passer to keep possession, but don’t gain a point for doing so. 

If the defender wins the ball and successfully plays to an outside player, they become the attacker. 
Play one-minute rounds, after which the inside and outside players switch roles.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Attackers can no longer bounce back to an outside player, so they must find a way to stay on the ball and beat the defender to transfer the ball to the other end.

COACHING POINTS

• Movement to receive: Stay out of the defender’s eyeline, move when defender looks at the ball.
• Open shoulders to receive.
• Hide ball from defender, before revealing and manoeuvring it to beat them.

1. Divide players into four players per group, with two on the ends and two working players in the middle
2. One player begins as the attacker and aims to transfer the ball between end players as many times as possible in one minute
3. If the defender wins the ball, they become the attacker

Small-sided game

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide the pitch into wide channels and central thirds. Split players into two equal teams and allocate positions.

HOW TO play

Players are locked into their area and can only move areas if they dribble into one. Players can only tackle their direct opponent. All other normal match rules apply.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Players are no longer locked into zones but can still only tackle their direct opponent.

COACHING POINTS

• Movement to dominate without the ball – can players’ movement create space for a team-mate to receive?
• Consider different ways to receive the ball and beat a defender. Remember that the defender may approach from behind, from the side or from in front.
• Remind players to scan before receiving to decide whether to protect the ball, take a first touch into space, or play a first-time pass.
• Can players work to create overloads?

1. Divide the pitch into distinct areas – wide channels, defensive, midfield and attacking thirds
2. Each player has a direct opponent. They are locked into their areas. Players can only tackle their direct opponent
3. Players can only move between areas by beating their opponent and dribbling into the next area to create an overload