1v1 Defending Channels
Most youth players are never actually taught how to defend 1v1. This channel drill isolates the art of jockeying: slowing the attacker, staying patient, and winning the ball at the right moment instead of diving in.
Ages
U10 to U16
Players
6 to 16
Time
15 minutes
Focus
Defensive stance
Equipment
- Cones for channels
- 1 ball per pair
- 2 mini goals or cone gates
Setup
Build channels 10 yards wide and 20 yards long with a cone gate at each end. Attacker starts at one end with the ball, defender at the other.
How it works
- The defender passes the ball to the attacker to start the rep, then closes down quickly.
- The attacker tries to dribble through the gate behind the defender.
- The defender jockeys, contains, and tackles when the attacker takes a heavy touch.
- Swap roles each rep. First to 5 stops or 5 goals.
Coaching points
- Approach fast, arrive slow. Sprint to close down, then chop your steps.
- Side-on stance, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
- Be patient: the attacker's bad touch is your invitation. Do not stab early.
Progression
Widen the channel to make defending harder, or add a second attacker for 2v1 decision defending.
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