Week 14 Passing, Dribbling & 1v1s

Instructions/Setup:

This pre-season practice focuses on developing players' passing, dribbling, and ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations. Set up a 30x30-yard area with cones or mannequins to create channels and a small central zone for players to perform 1v1 challenges. Players will be divided into pairs, with one player acting as the attacker and the other as the defender.

The attacker will start with the ball and attempt to pass or dribble through the area to a designated target, such as a goal or an open space. The defender will look to stop the attacker by blocking the pass or winning the ball during the 1v1 encounter. Players will rotate roles after a set period or when a goal is scored.

The focus is on improving dribbling skills, making precise passes under pressure, and developing the ability to take on a defender and beat them in 1v1 situations.

Coaching Notes:

• Passing accuracy under pressure – Encourage players to focus on delivering sharp, accurate passes while under pressure from a defender. The passer should use both feet to maintain control of the ball and to distribute passes to teammates in space.

• 1v1 dribbling technique – The attacker should use quick footwork and deceptive moves (e.g., step-overs or feints) to beat the defender. They should keep the ball close to their feet, change direction quickly, and use their body to shield the ball when necessary.

• Body positioning and balance – Encourage the attacker to stay low, maintain balance, and use their body position to protect the ball while dribbling. The defender should focus on staying on their toes, maintaining a low stance, and positioning themselves to force the attacker into predictable directions.

• Decision-making in 1v1s – The attacker must decide whether to take the defender on, pass the ball to a teammate, or shoot, based on the situation. The defender should make decisions on when to press and when to contain, focusing on anticipating the attacker’s next move.

• Composure under pressure – Both the attacker and defender should be encouraged to remain composed when under pressure. The attacker should not rush their decisions and should focus on the final execution, whether it’s a pass, shot, or dribble. The defender should be patient and disciplined to avoid committing fouls.

Progression 1: Introduce Time Limits

Add a time limit to each 1v1 situation, encouraging the attacker to beat the defender quickly. The time limit could be set at 10-15 seconds, forcing the attacker to make decisions faster and putting more emphasis on speed and quick thinking.

Focus: Improve the attacker’s ability to take on defenders and make quick decisions under time pressure.

Progression 2: Add Multiple Defenders

Introduce an additional defender to each 1v1 encounter, making it a 2v1 or 3v2 scenario. The attacker must now focus on beating the first defender and quickly finding an outlet to the second defender or teammate. This progression increases the difficulty by requiring the attacker to be more strategic and work on passing or creating space under pressure.

Focus: Improve decision-making and movement off the ball when facing multiple defenders, as well as passing accuracy and composure under pressure.