1v1 Defending Channel

Objective

• Delay, show the attacker one way, and win the ball at the right moment

Set-up and how it runs

• A narrow channel with a goal at one end and a start line at the other.
• The attacker starts with the ball and attacks the goal; the defender starts five yards away.
• The defender's job is to keep them out for fifteen seconds, or win it and dribble out over the start line.
• Swap after each go, four goes each.
• Score both roles: goals scored versus balls won.

Equipment

• Cones
• 1 goal or 2 mini goals
• Bibs
• Balls

Coaching points

• Close the distance quickly while the ball is travelling, then slow down
• Sideways-on, low, on your toes — not square and standing up
• Show them towards the touchline, away from the goal
• Tackle when their touch is too big, not before

Progressions

• Widen the channel so the defender must cover more ground
• 2v2 in the same channel
• Attacker gets a supporting player outside the channel

What it develops

Technical

1v1 defending

Tactical

Defending principles

Physical

Agility