Dribbling

Transition One-v-One Lane

Give attackers repeated one-v-one duels

Dribbling
Attacking
Defending

Give attackers repeated one-v-one duels. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Dribbling
Attacking
Defending
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Transition

Age

Under 9 to Adults

Duration

16 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

26 x 18 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

Give attackers repeated one-v-one duels

Objective

  • -Give attackers repeated one-v-one duels
  • -Develop the courage to take players on
  • -Coach defenders to delay and show one way

Setup

  1. 1A lane with a mini goal at each end in a 26 x 18 yards area.
  2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
  3. 3Balls at the attacker's start cone, bibs for defenders.

How to play

  1. 1Attacker starts with the ball and attacks the defender in the lane.
  2. 2Attacker scores in the far goal, defender scores by winning it and hitting the near goal.
  3. 3Players swap roles after each duel and rotate lanes.
  4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
  5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Coaching points

  • -Attack the front foot of the defender
  • -Change of pace out of the skill
  • -Defender side-on and patient
  • -First reaction after the turnover decides the moment — forward or secure

Progressions

  • +Cut the counter window to four seconds
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Running straight into the defender
  • -Defender diving in early
  • -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover

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