Gafferbook
Defending ยท U8 to adult

Jockeying in pairs

The attacker dribbles slowly from side to side down a channel and the defender jockeys backwards, staying side-on and close. Builds the footwork for 1v1 defending without the pressure of a tackle.

U8 to adultAges
Pairs (whole squad)Players
10 x 15 m channelsArea
8 minsTime

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

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Channels about 10 metres wide and 15 long.
  • Pairs, one ball; attacker at one end, defender facing them.

Equipment: Cones, balls

How it works

  1. Attacker dribbles at walking pace, changing direction.
  2. Defender jockeys back, mirroring them at arm's length.
  3. Speed up gradually; final round, defender can tackle.

Coaching points

  • Side-on, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
  • Small steps; never cross your feet.
  • Watch the ball, not the attacker's tricks.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Attacker walks without a ball

Make it harder

  • Full-speed 1v1 at the end
  • Defender must force them to one sideline

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

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Back line shifting with the ball

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