1-to-1 Defending Technique

Objective

• -Individual defending shape and footwork
• -Time the tackle rather than dive in
• -Learn to show an attacker away from danger

Setup

1. 1Channel with a gate at each end.
2. 2Coach or partner attacks with the ball.
3. 3Cones mark the side the defender should show towards.

How to play

1. 1Defender presses, sets, and shows the attacker towards the marked side.
2. 2Six repetitions, resetting after each one.
3. 3Score a point for every ball won or forced out.

Progressions

• +Attacker gets full freedom
• +Defender must win it inside five seconds

Regressions

• -Narrow the channel
• -Slower attacker

Variations

• -Defender starts recovering from behind
• -Add a mini goal to defend

Common mistakes

• -Square-on and easy to beat either side
• -Diving in on the first touch
• -Backing off all the way to the goal