Week 18 Defending the 1v1

Instructions/Setup:

This practice focuses on developing players’ decision-making and ability to defend in 1v1 situations. Set up a 15 by 20-yard area where one player is the attacker, attempting to break past a defender. The defender's objective is to prevent the attacker from getting a shot on goal, while the attacker aims to finish in a 1v1 situation.

Coaching Notes:

• Defensive positioning – Ensure the defender is in the correct stance, staying low, balanced, and positioning themselves to block the attacker’s path without diving in.

• Decision-making – Defenders should be encouraged to read the attacker’s body language and make decisions based on the situation, whether to press the ball, jockey, or force them into a less favorable position.

• Timing of the tackle – Focus on when to engage and when to hold position, encouraging defenders to make their tackles at the right moment.

• Composure in finishing – Attacker should remain calm and focused, taking a good touch before shooting, and choosing the best option (placing the ball or going for power).

Progression 1: Add a Second Attacker

Introduce a second attacker to increase pressure, forcing the defender to make quicker decisions and improve their positioning in more complex situations.

Focus: Improve defensive positioning and decision-making under more pressure.

Progression 2: Goalkeeper Involvement

Introduce a goalkeeper to the drill, allowing attackers to finish 1v1 against both the defender and the goalkeeper.

Focus: Enhance finishing under pressure from both a defender and goalkeeper.