1v1 From the side

Key Objectives

This session forces the defender to react quickly to the ball being played, and observe on their approach to which direction the attacker is going to go.

Technical/Coaching Points

• Speed of approach

• Observation skills for which way the attacker will go

• Reactions to changes in direction

• Body shape and positioning

Organisation

Set up a small pitch with a goal at each end.

The defenders start with a ball each on one side in between the goals, the attackers on the other side

How to play

The defender passes across to the attacker and quickly follows their pass

As the attacker receives the ball they have a choice of which goal to attack

The defender must read this decision, anticipate the attackers movements and defend the goal

Progression

If your plays find this too easy or too difficult, you could progress the game in the following ways:

• Have the defender start closer or further away

• Allow the attacker to change which goal they attack mid way through