1v1 drills
Every game is full of 1v1 duels. These practices build brave attackers and patient defenders.
1v1 drills teach attackers to beat a defender with a change of speed and direction, and teach defenders to stay on their feet, show the attacker one way and win the ball.
1v1 to goal
A defender passes to an attacker and steps out to defend; the attacker tries to beat them and score. Two queues keep it moving.
U8 to U16 · 6 to 12 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 channels (beat your defender)
In narrow channels, attackers try to dribble over the end line while a defender tries to stop them. Lots of 1v1 reps for both, side by side with the whole squad working.
U7 to adult · 4 to 20 (pairs) players · 10 to 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 to four gates
A 1v1 with a gate in each corner: the attacker can score through any of them. With so many options, players learn to read the defender and change direction.
U8 to U14 · Pairs (whole squad) players · 10 mins
See the drill →Wide 1v1: beat the full-back and cross
A winger receives in a wide channel and goes 1v1 against a full-back to get a cross or cut-back in for a striker. Game-realistic 1v1s with an end product.
U10 to adult · 6 to 12 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 with your back to goal
The attacker receives with a defender tight behind them and must turn or hold up the ball and shoot. The striker's toughest 1v1, made into a repeatable game.
U10 to adult · 6 to 12 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 tournament (up and down the pitches)
Players play 60-second 1v1 games on a row of mini pitches; winners move up, losers move down. Huge numbers of 1v1s and a fun competitive ladder.
U7 to U14 · 8 to 20 players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 from different starting angles
Defenders start from the side, behind or in front of the attacker in turn. Each angle teaches a different decision for both players.
U9 to adult · 6 to 14 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 to two small goals
The attacker can score in either of two small goals on the end line; the defender must choose which to protect. Teaches attackers to switch and defenders to show one way.
U7 to U14 · Pairs (whole squad) players · 10 mins
See the drill →1v1 with a recovering defender
The attacker goes 1v1, but a second defender sprints back from halfway after two seconds. Teaches attackers to be decisive and defenders to delay until help arrives.
U10 to adult · 9 to 15 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 plus a bounce player
A 1v1 to goal where the attacker can use a bounce player on the side for a one-two. Teaches when to take a player on and when to combine.
U10 to adult · Groups of 3 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →Tag 1v1 (no tackling) for beginners
The attacker dribbles to the end line while the defender tries to tag their shoulder (no tackling). A gentle first 1v1 game that builds confidence for young attackers.
U5 to U8 · Pairs (whole squad) players · 8 mins
See the drill →Knock the cone 1v1
Each player has a cone behind them; knock your opponent's cone over with the ball to score. Attack and defend in one quick game.
U7 to U13 · Pairs (whole squad) players · 8 to 10 mins
See the drill →Winner stays on 1v1
Score and you stay on to face the next challenger; lose and you go to the back. A competitive 1v1 that rewards consistency.
U8 to adult · 6 to 12 plus a keeper players · 10 to 15 mins
See the drill →1v1 counter from halfway
An attacker receives on halfway and races a defender to goal. Practises running with the ball at speed and finishing under pressure.
U10 to adult · 6 to 14 plus a keeper players · 15 mins
See the drill →Diagonal 1v1 from the corners
Players start in opposite corners and the coach plays the ball into the middle. First to it attacks the other's gate. Reactions, races and 1v1s.
U8 to U14 · 6 to 16 players · 10 mins
See the drill →Stop-start 1v1 (mirror line)
The attacker dribbles along a line with stops and starts while the defender mirrors from across. When the attacker crosses the line, it's live. Teaches change of speed to beat a defender.
U9 to adult · Pairs players · 8 mins
See the drill →Named-move 1v1 (bonus points)
A 1v1 to an end line where beating the defender with the move the coach names scores double. Encourages players to try new skills in a live 1v1.
U8 to U14 · Pairs (whole squad) players · 10 mins
See the drill →Two-way 1v1 (win it, attack the other end)
Both players attack and defend: win the ball and you can attack the opposite goal straight away. A non-stop 1v1 with transitions.
U8 to adult · Pairs (whole squad) players · 10 mins
See the drill →Protect the target 1v1
The attacker tries to pass to a target player behind the defender; the defender must block the pass and stay in the 1v1. Teaches attackers to create a passing angle and defenders to cut it off.
U9 to adult · Groups of 3 players · 10 mins
See the drill →Shooting duel (1v1 across two goals)
Two players each defend a goal and shoot at the other's from their own half, with dribbles and 1v1s allowed into the middle. Shooting, saving and duels in one fun game.
U8 to adult · Pairs players · 8 mins
See the drill →Building a session?
Tell the free session planner your age group, numbers and what to work on, and it builds a full session from drills like these.
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