Spoil or mark 1v1

Setup

1. A kicker with the balls stands 25 m from a 10 × 10 m square of cones.
2. A forward and a defender start in the square, the defender a step behind and to the side.
3. Waiting pairs line up behind the square.

How it runs

1. The forward leads at the kicker; the defender goes with them on the shoulder.
2. The kicker kicks to the lead, mixing high and flat kicks.
3. The defender reads it: mark it if they can get to the ball first, spoil from behind if they can't.
4. Rotate: the forward joins the line, the defender becomes the forward, the next player defends.

Coaching points

• Defender: eyes on the ball, not the forward.
• Spoil with a clenched fist from behind, over the shoulder: hit the ball, not the player.
• Only go for the mark when you can get there first and still see the ball.
• Time the arrival; get to the ball with the ball, not into the forward's back.

Common mistakes

• Chopping the arms or pushing in the back instead of spoiling the ball.
• Going for a mark that isn't on and giving away a free kick.
• Losing touch with the forward on the lead.