Finishing 1v1's

Set Up: 

There are 10-12 players set up around the four sides of the small field, each with a ball. A smaller grid is placed in the center. To begin play, the defender steps into the center of the small grid. Player 1 attacks the defender 1v1, trying to dribble all the way through the grid. If the defender wins the challenge, then Player 1 becomes the new defender, playing 1v1 against Player 2. If not, the defender must stay in the middle to defend the next attack from Player 3. Each new attack begins as soon as the ball is out of the grid and play rotates counterclockwise.

Coaching Points:

For Defenders:

1.  The defender must control the speed of his initial run and not charge in.

2.  The decision to tackle or not depends on how well the attacker controls the dribble.

3.  If possible, the defender should win the ball as opposed to kicking it out of bounds.

For Attackers:

1.  Make sharp changes of speed and direction.

2.  Sell your dribbling moves with ball and body feints.

3.  Accelerate out of your moves in order to create space.

Progressions: 

1.  Reduce the size of the central grid.

Set Up: 

There are 12-14 players set up in the attacking third, starting at the cones. The Feeder begins the drill with a pass to the attacker (Player 1). He shoots, runs to either cone set at the 12 yard line, then runs back to defend against the next shooter (Player 2). After their 1v1 is complete, the next pass goes out to Player 3. Each of the Feeders works with one team, varying the service (see Progressions) and the amount of time the players have to shoot. After five minutes, the two groups switch to the other side of the field. 

Coaching Points:

For Defenders:

1.  Transition to defense begins as soon as you strike your shot.

2.  Control your speed when you go to tackle or block shots.

3.  Go the the ball and do not screen your GK.

For Attackers:

1.  Fake the shot if the defender charges in.

2.  Look for first time shots whenever possible.

3.  Look up and find the GK as you approach the ball.

Progressions: 

1.  Air ball to service. 

2.  Driven ball service. 

Set Up:

The teams play 5v5 plus one in the central zone with a neutral defender stationed inside of the penalty area. To score, the attackers must dribble the ball out of the central zone before they can shoot. The defender must stay inside the penalty area until the ball is dribbled across. Upon completion, the game is re-started in the central zone.

Coaching Points:

1.  Dribbling - Go at the defender at speed and pressure him into an error.

2.  1v1 Attacking - Change speed and direction with the dribble to get the defender to commit first.

3.  Finishing - Fake shots are very effective inside of the penalty area as this is the defender's biggest concern.

Progressions: 

1.  Extend the central zone all the way up to the 18, making it more difficult for the attacker to dribble in.

Set Up:  

There are 14 players set up on a field split into three zones, playing 3v3 plus two in the central zone and 1v1 in other two zones. During the game, the attackers try to play the ball out of the middle zone and into the attacking zone for a finish on goal. All of the players must stay inside of their zones during play. Balls put out of touch are re-started with a throw-in, and balls put out over the end line are re-started by the Feeder.

Coaching Points:

1.   Check away from the ball in the attacking zone so that you have room to turn.

2.   With a defender on your back, take your first touch away from pressure.

3.   Play one or two touch soccer in the congested central zone.

Progressions:

1.   One attacker in the central zone crosses over with the pass to create a 2v1.

Set Up:

Play 9 v 9 with GKs on a full field, using the full width. Use the 18 yard line as the end lines for the field. Both teams play a 3-3-3, or whatever the coach decides to play. This is free play with no stoppages for coaching. Balls put out of play are re-started by the GKs.