Week 73 1v1 Into 2v2

Instructions/Setup:

A coach and a defender start by passing the ball between each other just outside the penalty area. Two attackers are positioned around 10 yards to either side. At an unpredictable moment, the coach plays a pass into one of the attackers, triggering a 1v1 with the central defender.

After this first 1v1 phase is complete—regardless of the outcome—the coach quickly serves a new ball to the second attacker. This starts a second phase, turning it into a 2v1 situation, with the two attackers now combining to beat the same recovering defender and score.

Coaching Notes:

• Defender Reaction Speed – The defender must stay alert during the passing phase and react immediately to the coach’s cue, closing down space quickly.

• Attacker First Touch – The receiving attacker should take a strong, positive first touch forward to exploit the space and stay away from the defender’s recovery angle.

• 2v1 Combination – In the second phase, attackers must make quick decisions on when to pass or drive, using overlaps, underlaps, or direct play based on defender positioning.

• Support Angle and Timing – The second attacker should enter the play at speed, offering a clear passing lane and creating a 2v1 advantage before the defender can recover centrally.

Progression 1: Add Second Defender After First Shot

Introduce a second defender who enters the field just as the second attacker receives their ball, turning the second phase into a 2v2 instead of a 2v1.

Focus:

Improves communication, speed of play, and decision-making under pressure as space and time are reduced rapidly in the second phase.

Progression 2: Coach Calls “Freeze” to Delay Second Ball

Before passing the second ball, the coach calls a quick “freeze” command (1–2 second delay) before serving, forcing attackers to stay focused and defenders to recover positioning.

Focus:

Enhances attacker concentration, timing of runs, and ability to read defender movements before executing combinations in tight, changing scenarios.