Pre-season is upon us and 1 v 1 practice is vital to get our foundation phase players used to having the ball back at their feet. One of the big challenges we face wit pre-season is that many players go on holiday during this period, meaning that numbers at practice are inconsistent. We can produce the greatest session plan going, yet feel lost when only 5 players attend.
The practice above looks at the most common 1 v 1 situation in football - back to goal, with a defender behind. The variations look at how you can run the practice with multiples of 4, 3 and 2 players, meaning you can adapt on the fly if necessary. Players get plenty of repetition, touches on the ball and opportunities to develop their technical skills. Depending on numbers, the principles of mobility, support, penetration, creating space and creativity are all covered from a tactical standpoint.
Multiples of 4
Set up a 20x10 playing area. Players are in teams of 2. 1 player from each team starts in the playing area (1 v 1). The remaining players start next to the goal, 1 of them with the ball.
The server plays into their team mate, who plays 1 v 1 to goal. As soon as the ball is passed in, both team mates run into the goal and become GK's.
The player in possession can play to their GK (2 v 1) if necessary.
Multiples of 3
Set up as previous, no GK's. 2 players play 1 v 1, with the remaining player acting as a server. Rotate roles each turn.
Multiples of 2
Players start next to the same goal. At the opposite goal is a ball. Players take it in turns to move to the ball first. Play 1 v 1 to goal.
Coaching Points
Movement to lose opponent and create space to receive
Look to receive on the 1/2 turn to observe opportunity to turn and face goal
Observe position of defender, space and goal to aid decision-making
Shoot when possible
Use of speed, turns, fakes or feints to beat opponent
Considerations
League table - play for 2 mins, winner moves up, loser moves down
Allows support players to enter playing area for a 2 v 2
Suggested Ages
U8 - U12