1v1 ยท U5 to U8

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 U8Ages
Pairs (whole squad)Players
10 x 8 mArea
8 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Small channels, one pair per channel.
  • Attacker with the ball, defender facing them.

Equipment: Cones, 1 ball per pair

How it works

  1. Attacker dribbles over the end line for a point.
  2. Defender tries to tag the attacker's shoulder before they get there.
  3. Swap roles each go.

Coaching points

  • Attacker: change direction and speed.
  • Keep the ball close when the defender is near.
  • Defender: watch the attacker's hips.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Defender walks

Make it harder

  • Defender can poke the ball away (no tackling from behind)

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.

More 1v1 drills