Practice: Winning your battles

WHY USE IT

This practice develops players’ 1v1 and 1v2 attacking abilities, providing variable repetition, preserving attack-defence-transition-direction and is rewarding for both attackers and defenders.

SET UP

Four defenders (Blues) are needed for the defensive zones. The final third is occupied by the goalkeeper. All attackers need a ball. Area size can be flexible, based on intended outcomes and player ages and ability.

HOW TO PLAY

The Red attacks the Blue defender in zone 1 in a 1v1. If successful, they attack the second defender in zone 2. If successful in getting to the end zone, they finish 1v1 for a point. If a defender wins the ball, they try to pass into the mini goals to gain a point. Once players have attacked one goal, they join the back of the opposite line. 

Alternatives/progressions: 

• 2v1 in attacking favour (regression)
• Zone 1 defender can recover if beaten (progression)
• Attackers able to shoot from middle third.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to use feints, 1v1 moves and deception, as in the tag game.
• Encourage players to attack quickly – coaches may enforce a shot clock.
• Encourage players to react quickly to transitions.