1v1 with a recovering defender

Setup

1. A goalkeeper in goal. A coach with the balls 35 m out.
2. Attackers line up 5 m in front of the coach; defenders line up 8 m behind the attackers and to one side.
3. Mark two small cone gates on the halfway line for the defender's counter.

How it runs

1. The coach plays the ball forward to the attacker; the defender sets off as the pass is made.
2. The attacker drives to goal and tries to score before the defender recovers.
3. If the defender wins it, they counter by dribbling through either cone gate.
4. Both join the other line; rest while the next pair goes.

Coaching points

• Attacker, first touch forward and into the defender's path to goal.
• Shift across the defender's line so they have to run around you.
• Shoot early, before the defender gets goal-side.
• Defender, sprint to get goal-side first, then slow down and tackle from the side.

Common mistakes

• The attacker takes too many touches and lets the defender catch up.
• The defender dives in from behind and gives away a foul.
• Running in a straight line away from the defender instead of across them.