Week 40 1v1 with Ball Mastery

Instructions/Setup:

This practice begins with short passing combinations between the attacker and defender. Once the attacker feels confident, they make the decision to initiate live opposed play by turning and dribbling through the grid. The defender, after the pass, must make a recovery run in the opposite direction to the attacker, aiming to recover into the box and stop the attack in a 1v1 scenario.

Coaching Notes:

• Effective Ball Mastery – The attacker should focus on using quick, sharp touches to maintain close control of the ball during the initial combination. The goal is to create separation and set up a favorable situation for the 1v1.

• Timing the Attack – The attacker must make a decision on when to shift into live play, using the right moment to turn and accelerate away from the defender. Timing is key to catching the defender off guard.

• Defender’s Recovery Run – The defender must focus on recovering quickly and getting into the box before the attacker can get through. Emphasize positioning, reading the attacker’s movements, and preventing them from creating space.

• 1v1 Situation – Once live play begins, the defender should close down the attacker quickly, applying pressure while maintaining balance. The attacker needs to use quick changes of direction to beat the defender and finish effectively.

Progression 1: Limited Touches for the Attacker

Limit the attacker to 3 touches when they transition into the live 1v1. This increases the pressure on the attacker to make quicker decisions and execute under tighter constraints.

Focus: Improve decision-making and ball control under pressure, while forcing the attacker to take faster, more decisive actions.

Progression 2: Add Extra Defenders

Introduce a second defender who starts from a different angle to increase the difficulty of the 1v1. The attacker now has to deal with two defenders in the final phase of the drill.

Focus: Improve the attacker’s ability to work under increased defensive pressure and create space, while refining dribbling and decision-making in a crowded environment.