Week *2 1v1's & Finishing

Instructions/Setup:

This practice takes place in a 20 by 35-yard area and focuses on developing technical finishing and beating defenders in 1v1 situations.

The drill is divided into two linked areas. In the first area, players will face defenders in 1v1 situations with the objective of scoring in either mini goal. If the attacker successfully finishes, they move on to the second area, where they receive a set pass from the coach and finish past the goalkeeper, either with one or two touches. If the defender wins possession during the 1v1, they switch roles with the attacker. Coaches can also call for the defender to switch out if they have been in the role for too long.

Coaching Notes:

• 1v1 Attacking: Attackers should focus on using quick changes of direction, feints, and explosive acceleration to beat the defender. They should always aim for the far post when finishing to maximize the chances of scoring.

• Finishing under Pressure: Once the attacker moves to the second area, they need to finish with composure, taking one or two touches to ensure accuracy and power. Encourage players to focus on placement over power.

• Defending: Defenders should focus on positioning, timing their tackles, and staying compact to block the attacker's path. They should be aggressive but smart, aiming to force the attacker wide and away from goal.

• Transition and Pace: After either scoring or losing possession, players should quickly transition. Attackers should be ready to move into the next phase of the drill, while defenders need to be sharp in switching their mindset to offense.

Progression 1: Increase Pressure:

Introduce a time limit for attackers to score in the first area (e.g., 10 seconds). This increases the intensity and forces attackers to make quicker decisions.

Focus: Speed of decision-making, composure in finishing, and pressure handling.