Week 61 Finishing into 1v1

Instructions/Setup:

This dynamic attacking practice focuses on quick transitions, finishing, and 1v1 play. Two players start by dribbling a ball each toward two designated poles. Upon reaching the poles, each player leaves their ball beside it, then quickly switches direction to collect the other player’s ball. One player attacks the goal immediately for an unopposed finish. The second player dribbles around a top mini goal before re-entering the area to create a 1v1 situation against the original attacker, who now transitions into a defender.

Coaching Notes:

• Speed of Transition – Encourage players to execute the switch and collect the new ball at speed. A quick transition helps simulate game-like reactions and maximizes pressure on the defender.

• Composure in Finishing – The initial attacker should focus on taking a controlled first touch and executing a clean finish under no pressure.

• 1v1 Attacking – Attackers must be direct, use feints or body movement, and recognize the defender’s body position to either go around or cut inside.

• Defensive Recovery – After finishing, the first attacker must quickly switch mindsets and recover into a defensive shape. Emphasize speed, positioning, and delaying the attacker rather than diving in.

Progression 1: Timed Finish Window

Add a time constraint for the unopposed finish (e.g., must shoot within 3 seconds of collecting the ball).

Focus:

Develops urgency, quick decision-making, and improves players’ ability to finish under time pressure.

Progression 2: Live Pressure During Finish

The second player no longer goes around the mini goal and instead closes the attacker immediately after the switch, turning the initial finish into a pressured 1v1 from the start.

Focus:

Increases intensity and challenges both attackers and defenders to react quickly and execute under pressure from the beginning of the sequence.

Let me know if you’d like a quick visual diagram to go with this, or if you want all the Week 61 drills compiled into a single session outline!