Soccer drill for 1v1 with verbal support from team mates
This soccer drill is 1v1 on the pitch but the defender receives verbal support from his team mate, which is crucial to developing a 2v1 defensive understanding. It helps players to get used to talking to each other during matches and helping out verbally in situations where players cannot see each other.
Without communication you have to assume you are defending alone and cannot pressure the attacker.
Set up soccer drill
In an area 30 yards square, you need two cones, a ball and a goal – a goalkeeper is not vital but makes it harder for the attacker to score.
How to play it
- The midfielder passes the ball to the attacker, and a 1v1 commences with the supporting defender giving advice to his team mate who must try and stop the attacker taking a shot at the goal.
- The coach should give examples for the players to call, such as "get tight", "stop the turn", "show left", "win the ball".
- Once the ball has been played, the attacker and defender are replaced and a new supporting defender gives advice.
Click the link to order a copy of Perfect Defending, an essential soccer coaching manual containing 67 drills and games to help you coach defending skills.
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