DefenseFootwork

Jockeying and Containing Drill

Builds the patient footwork defenders need to delay an attacker and buy time for teammates to recover, without committing to a tackle too early.

Age RangeAges 9+
Duration8-10 minutes
Group SizePairs
SportSoccer

Equipment Needed

  • One ball per pair
  • Cones to mark a channel

Mark the channel

A set of cones makes it easy to lay out a consistent jockeying channel for every pair.

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Setup

  • Mark a narrow channel about 10 yards long with cones.
  • One attacker with the ball, one defender, facing each other in the channel.
Jockeying and Containing DrillOAttackerXJockeys backDefender shufflesbackward, arm's lengthaway, delaying ratherthan diving in

Instructions

  1. The attacker tries to dribble the length of the channel; the defender jockeys backward, staying an arm's length away.
  2. The defender's goal is to delay, not win the ball outright, forcing the attacker to take extra touches.
  3. Play to the end of the channel, then switch roles.
  4. Progress to allowing a tackle attempt once the jockeying footwork is controlled.
Coaching Points
  • Small backward shuffle steps, staying balanced - never cross the feet.
  • Show the attacker down one side rather than trying to block everything.
  • Patience wins - most attackers make a mistake if you just stay in front of them.

Variation

Add a teammate recovering from behind to simulate real defensive cover arriving.