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.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Several narrow channels side by side.
- Attacker at one end with the ball, defender at the other.
Equipment: Cones, balls
How it works
- Defender passes to the attacker and closes them down.
- Attacker tries to dribble over the defender's line under control.
- Defender wins it and tries to get it over the attacker's line. Swap roles.
Coaching points
- Attackers: go at them with speed, change of direction and pace.
- Use a move, then explode past.
- Defenders: close fast, then slow down and stay on your feet.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Wider channels
Make it harder
- Narrower channels
- Time limit of 6 seconds
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
More 1v1 drills
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.
See the drill โ1v1 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.
See the drill โWide 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.
See the drill โ1v1 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.
See the drill โ1v1 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.
See the drill โ1v1 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.
See the drill โ