Defending
1v1 Defending Duels: Switch To Score
Delay and deny the attacker
Defending
Tackling
Dribbling
1v1 Defending Duels: Switch To Score is a 15-minute defending drill for 4-16 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.
Back to drill libraryDefending
Tackling
Dribbling
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Switching Play
Team Shape
Decision Making
Duration
15 min
Players
4-16
Pitch size
12 x 10 yards
Ability levels
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
1v1 Defending Duels: Switch To Score — Crossing and finishing — wide delivery into the box · 12 x 10 yards
Step 1 of 5Defender passes to the attacker and closes down.
- 1. Defender passes to the attacker and closes down.
- 2. Attacker tries to cross the defender's line under control.
- 3. Swap roles after each duel.
- 4. A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
- 5. Rotation: Swap roles after each duel.
- Cones mark the area
- Full goal
- Dashed lines = wide crossing channels
- Ball
- Dotted arrow = rotation between repetitions
- Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble
Objectives
- -Delay and deny the attacker
- -Adopt a strong defensive stance
- -Win the ball at the right moment
Setup
- 1Mark a 12 x 10 channel with a scoring line at each end.
- 2Defender starts on the goal-side line, attacker faces them.
- 3Balls stored on both sides.
Coaching instructions
- 1Defender passes to the attacker and closes down.
- 2Attacker tries to cross the defender's line under control.
- 3Swap roles after each duel.
- 4A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
Coaching points
- -Close the space quickly then slow down
- -Side-on stance, low centre of gravity
- -Show the attacker to their weaker side
- -Recognise when the near side is blocked
- -Change the point of attack with a fast, driven pass
Common mistakes
- -Diving in on the first touch
- -Standing square and getting turned
- -Closing down too slowly