How the Drill Works:

One defender passes the ball across the grid to one attacker and then immediately closes them down to defend while the attacker attempts to dribble through the gate in the middle of the grid.

Purpose:

Competitive 1-on-1 activity that develops defensive footwork, timing, and positioning. Offensive dribbling, 1-on-1 moves, and ball control is also improved.

Setup:

• Use four cones to set up a playing grid, about 20-25 yards long by 10-12 yards wide.
• Place two poles, or cones, in the middle of the grid.
• Divide the players into two groups and have each group form a line on each end line of the playing grid. If there are more than 5 players per group, set up another playing grid next to the first one to allow for player repetitions.
• Assign one group as the offensive team, and the group on the opposite end line as the defensive team.
• Each defensive team player should have one soccer ball.
• Decide on the number of rounds and the time for each round. At least two rounds of 6-8 minutes is suggested.

Instructions:

1. The first defender in line starts the activity by passing the ball through the gate, and across the grid to the first attacker in line.
2. As the ball is traveling, the defender runs towards the attacker, quickly closing down the space.
3. The attacker receives the ball and attempts to dribble through the gate in the middle of the grid.
4. The defender attempts to prevent the attacker from dribbling through the gate while also trying to win the ball, or force the ball out-of-bounds.
5. The turn is over when the attacker dribbles through the gate, the defender wins the ball, or the ball goes out-of-bounds for any reason. The turn is also over if after 30 seconds the attacker is unable to dribble through the gate.
6. After each turn, players switch lines, and the next turn immediately begins.
7. The activity continues for the remainder of the round. Give tips and tricks to the players in between rounds while they rest before starting the next round. Play at least 2 rounds of 6-8 minutes.

Variations:

Vary the grid dimensions – Depending on the players’ age and skill level, increase the size of the grid to give the attackers more space making it more difficult for the defenders.

Coaching Points:

• Educate the players on proper defensive positioning and footwork. Defenders should quickly close down the attackers, but as defenders get closer they should bend their knees and take smaller steps to react quickly to the attacker’s movements. Defenders should turn at a 45-degree angle and attempt to push the attacker away from the gate, towards the sidelines.
• Teach the defenders to keep moving backwards as the attacker moves forward, keeping a good distance between them until an opportunity to win the ball presents itself.
• Explain that defenders need to get close enough to the attackers to force them to put their heads down and lose vision of the field and their options.
• Remind the players to time their tackles properly so they are sure to win them. Players should not reach for the ball and be caught off-balance to allow attackers to get past them. Players should slide-tackle as a last resort.
• Challenge the players to be creative on offense and attack the defender with confidence!
• Encourage players to focus on their first touch and to use quick moves and fakes to get past the defenders.
• Orient player outside of gate