Organization:
Area: 15y x 15y
The players start in two corners. The 1v begins with a pass across from the defender to the attacker. Play continues to completion (a goal or a ball put out of play), and the next pair comes on.
At the youngest age groups, the 1v1 could start with a pass from the coach to one of the two players.
FOCUS POINTS:
Attacking:
- When receiving the ball, be aware of the speed in which the defender approaches.
- When the defender approaches quickly, keep the ball very close or move the ball to the side with the first touch.
- Use a 1v1 move and/or body feint to beat the defender.
- Explode after the 1v1 move.
- Look at the goal and score with a quick accurate pass or shot.
Defending:
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Close down the space and be one or two steps away from the attacker. If you are too far away, that gives them time to get their head up and look around. Get close to force their head down.
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Jockey, be patient and don't dive in. The best attackers want you to dive in on them because they will just touch it around you and go. So we want to jockey them.
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Force the attacker onto their weak foot.
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Be on your toes! Don't be back on your heels.
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Keep your feet moving, don't stand like a statue.
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Keep your eye on the ball! Do not look at the attacker's feet, hips or shoulders. Focus on the ball.
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Win the ball with confidence when the time is right. When you do step in, get your body behind you. Don't just reach and lunge for the ball with your foot.