Winning 1v1s - Special Training Guide

Being able to deal with a 1v1 is  an important part of a player’s soccer toolbox. Whether defending or attacking, players have to choose and use the right skill or technique to win a 1v1.

As a coach, you should build your players’ 1v1 experience right through from Under 7s to Under 18s – watch any level of football and you will notice players who can win 1v1s find themselves in good positions to create problems for the opposition. 

This gives a big advantage to your  team and means that in defence goalscoring chances will be negated, and in attack goalscoring chances will be created.

You could say: Win the 1v1s and you’re on your way to winning the game.

If your player has the ball or is trying to win it in a 1v1, he needs to analyse the situation and the opponent. It is vital to make quick decisions and use movement, skill and a change of pace to win the 1v1s.

The pressure to win a 1v1 can be huge for a player because there is no team mate to call on for back up – the outcome of the 1v1 is entirely down to the individual’s decisions and actions.

A good example is when a player is through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat – the pressure can 
become huge because he is expected to score; but we’ve all seen players falter under that pressure and not make the most of the opportunity.

The best thing you can do as a coach is put your players in those 1v1 situations during training. Let them become familiar with the skills, techniques and decision-making processes required to win 1v1 contests,  whether in defence, in attack or in goal.

 
In this manual we’ve provided you with a series of warm-ups, defending drills, attacking drills and small-sided games to help you do just that. Put these ideas into practice on the training ground and see your players deal with 1v1 situations on match day.