Defending 1v1 #5 – U10

Set Up:

Mark off a square field that is about 15 yards by 15 yards. Each player will start with a soccer ball. On the whistle, the players have to dribble within the field and keep their ball under control while trying to knock out the other players' soccer ball. When a player has their ball kicked off the field, they have to leave the game. The last player to keep possession of their ball wins that round.

Organization:

Area: 15y x 15y

Set up two gates on a diagonal, eight yards apart. The defending group starts between the two gates. The attackers start in front of the gates, eight yards away. During the game, the attacker scores by dribbling through one of the two gates. The defender tries to 'close the door'  by dribbling into that gate before the attacker dribbles through it. Switch sides after each turn.

Variations: Defender without ball, but only tries to close the door. Defender tries to steal the ball and score by dribbling through one of the two gates. 

Game: Each player keeps track of amount of goals scored. Who scored the most goals in a certain amount of minutes?

Coaching Points:

Attacker:

• Make speed, dribble with laces or outside foot.

• Look over the ball when dribbling or use peripheral vision to see where the defender is going. 

• Keep the ball close. 

• Change direction quickly with pull back, inside/outside cut, and so forth.

Defender:

• Make speed, dribble with laces or outside foot.

• Look over the ball when dribbling or use peripheral vision to see where the attacker is going. 

• Change direction quickly.

• Keep the ball close. 

Organization:

Area: 25y x 15y

The three attackers try to score on the large goal, and the two defenders try to score on a small goal. The defending team has a GK. When the ball goes over the sideline, the attackers pass the ball back in. The defenders can also dribble the ball back in. Play is continuous until a goal is scored. Switch attackers and defenders after a couple of minutes.

Game: Keep track of the score between the two teams.

Focus Points:

Attackers:

• Keep the field wide, support each other.

• Go for 1v1 or pass. What is the right choice?

Defenders:

• Put pressure on the ball.

• After winning the ball try to score as fast as possible.

Organization:

The four attackers try to score on the large goal, and the three defenders try to score on a small goal. The defending team has a GK. When the ball goes over the sideline, the attackers pass the ball back in. The defenders can also dribble the ball back in. Play is continuous until a goal is scored. Switch attackers and defenders after a couple of minutes.

Game: Keep track of the score between the two teams.

Focus Points:

Attackers:

• Keep the field wide, support each other.

• Go for 1v1 or pass. What is the right choice?

Defenders:

• Put pressure on the ball.

• After winning the ball try to score as fast as possible.

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Two teams play 5v5 (4+GK), starting in 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

• When the opponent is in possession, make the field small.

• When your own team is in possession, make the field large.