Skip to content

1v1 To Two Wide Goals

Set Up

Create a zone infront of the goal. The attacker must get into the zone before they can shoot and score.

Activity

This  is a 1v1 activity designed to have players work on beating a defender laterally and develop the skill of changing direction sideways based on where the defender is and where they move. 

One player start with a ball 10 yards away have the defender start on the edge of the red zone you have created where the dotted line is on the set up diagram.

The players with the ball must keep the ball and beat the defender by getting into the red zone and scoring on one of the goals, make sure the attacker gets into the zone before shooting to avoid the attacker simply shooting without trying to get past the defender. The defender must steal the ball and get it to the coach.

Also as a starting point do not let the defender steal or tackle the attacker until they get into the red zone, make them shadow defend and get in the attackers way force them from side to side.

Videos

Variations

  • Remove the red zone restriction the attacker can score from wherever they want
  • Remove the “No stealing the ball” before the red zone rule
  • Change the starting position of the attacker with the ball
  • Change the starting point of the defender
  • Tell the attacker which goal they must score in (don’t tell the defender!)

Coaching Points

Coaching Points

  • Have the attacker try and identify which goal is more open and then attack that goal not dribble at the defender
  • If the defender comes across to cover the goal the attacker is trying to score on then encourage the attacker to change direction and go for the other goal which will be open, they can do this multiple times until they get an open goal
  • Have the attacker try and combine a change of speed with a change of direction to beat the defender
  • Have the attacker try dribbling directly at one goal, fake a change of direction to commit the defender then continue to the original gate

Coaching Questions

Q. What techniques can you use to change direction from side to side?

A. Stop, drag the ball back then change direction into space. Fake to go one way without the ball then dribble at speed the other way

Q. When should you keep the ball really close and under your control?

A. When the defender is close and blocking our path to the goal

Q. When should you dribble the ball forwards with some speed and attack one of the goals?

A. When the defender goes to one side and you have open space and a direct line to one of the goals …. go for it!

Q. If the defender comes across and blocks your way to one of the goals what could you do?

A. Switch direction and try and attack the other goal. Fake to go to the other goal then continue to the original goal.

 

Tips

  • The red zone is there to ensure the attacker is trying to develop the skill of beating their defender first rather taking a long shot at goal
  • Encourage the attacker to identify which gate is more open and then have the attacker dribble at the gate to draw the defender to one side
  • Show the attacker how they can change direction to attack whichever goal is not being covered by the defender, they may have to use multiple changes of direction to find a way to get to the open goal or make the goal become open
  • Remind the defender that the goal of the activity is not only to stop the attacker scoring but for the defender to win possession of the ball and keep it.