Equipment Needed
- One ball per pair
- Two cones for a small goal
Mark the small goal
A couple of cones make a perfect target goal for 1v1 defending reps.
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- Set up a small goal with two cones.
- Pair players up with one attacker and one defender facing the goal.
Instructions
- The attacker tries to dribble through the small goal from about 10 yards out.
- The defender stays goal-side, patient, and tries to steer the attacker away without diving in.
- Play to a decision (goal, ball won, or ball out) then reset.
- Switch attacker and defender every few reps.
Coaching Points
- Stay on the balls of the feet, low and balanced.
- Delay first - only tackle when the ball is far enough from the attacker's feet.
- Show the attacker to one side rather than trying to cover both.
Variation
Add a second small goal behind the defender so the attacker has two options, teaching the defender to shift and recover.