How the Drill Works:

One player defends one attacker who attempts to beat the defender and dribble through one of the three gates behind the defender. Each gate is worth a certain amount of points with the gate closest to the attacker being worth the least amount. Defenders attempt to win the ball, or prevent the attacker from dribbling through the gates worth the most points.

Purpose:

Competitive 1-on-1 activity that focuses on individual defending, closing down speed, and defensive footwork. Attacking players improve their ability to beat a defender on the dribble.

Setup:

• Use four cones to make three gates. Each gate should be in the same line; use a line on the field for reference if needed. The first gate should be 5 yards wide with the second being 4 yards wide and the last gate being 3 yards wide. See diagram for a better visual.
• Place one cone 15-20 yards away from the largest gate. The cone should be perpendicular to the first cone used for the largest gate. See diagram for more information.
• Divide the players into two teams and assign each team a jersey color.
• Assign one team to start has the attacking team and have them form a line behind the cone set up 15-20 yards away from the largest gate.
• Assign the other team to start as the defending team and have them form a line behind the smallest gate.
• Each defender should have a ball at their feet. Keep any extra soccer balls around the defending team’s line.
• If there are more than 12 players in this activity, set up another game so that there is about 6-10 players per game.
• Decide on a time limit and number of rounds for this activity. 3-4 minutes of 4-6 rounds is a good reference.

Instructions:

1. The first defender in line starts the activity with a pass to the first attacker in line. As soon as the defender passes the ball they sprint towards the attacker.
2. The attacker receives the ball and dribbles towards the gates.
3. The attacker attempts to score the most points possible, or available. The furthest away gate is worth 10 points, the middle gate is worth 5, and the closest gate is worth 1 point.
4. The defender attempts to channel, or direct, the defender away from the 10-point gate and towards the 1-point gate. If possible, the defender attempts to win the ball and prevent the attacker from getting any points.
5. As soon as the attacker dribbles through a gate, or the defender wins the ball, the next two players immediately begin their turn.
6. The coach keeps track of the points scored for the attacking team for each round.
7. At the end of each round, the teams collect and lost soccer balls, and then switch lines so that the defending team now becomes the attacking team.
8. After each team has attacked once, the coach declares the attacking team with the most points the winner.
9. The next two rounds begin back at zero points for both teams and teams repeat the process for another 2-4 rounds.

Variations:

Defending Team Can Score – If the defender wins the ball from the offensive player, they are free to attempt score on any of the gates for points. This develops players’ ability to quickly react when they lose the ball and prevent the other team from progressing.

Coaching Points:

• Clearly explain the scoring system and the purpose of channeling a defender away from the higher point gates. Give some advice to younger players before the first round. For older players, give them a round or two to see if they can figure it out on their own. Players should not be given the answers at the beginning otherwise they will not develop the problem-solving abilities players need.
• Channeling a defender is effective when forcing a player away from goal, towards team pressure, or towards the sideline. Other examples include forcing a player to use their weaker foot, or to stop a counter-attack.
• Defenders should sprint towards the attacker to close down the space the attacker has to dribble into. Defenders should shorten their steps as they get closer to the attacker to prevent getting beat. Once close enough, defenders should move backwards at the same pace the attacker is moving forwards and force the attacker towards the 1-point gate. The defenders should time their tackles when they are close enough to win the ball.
• Defenders need to get close enough to the attackers to force them to put their headers down and lose vision of the field.
• When directing, or channeling, a player, defenders should position their bodies sideways at a 45-degree angle and encourage the attackers to dribble into the space defenders are leaving open.
• Challenge the attackers to be decisive, quick, and creative on the ball. Attackers should attempt to beat the defenders and score as many points as possible.