Defending 1v1 #1 - U8
Defending 1v1 #1 - U8
Grab It!
Organization:
Area: 15y x 15y
Players work in pairs with one ball. One player holds the ball in one hand, with the arm outstretched. The other player grabs the ball and runs away. The other player tries to tag the player before he/she gets to the end line.
Variation: Create new pairings.
Focus Points:
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Effort/Hustle
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Quickness

1v1, Defending From An Angle
Organization:
Area: 16y x 12y
Create two small fields of 8y x 12y. Players score in the small goals in the corners of the field. Play always starts in the opposite corner from the goals. Begin the 1v1 with a pass across from the defender. Switch roles after the turn is over. Players switch fields every eight minutes.
Game: Keep track of goals scored.
Focus Points:
Protect your own goal first, followed by pressuring the ball.
Force the attacker away from the goal.
Win the ball back at the right moment.

2v2, Defending From An Angle
Organization:
Area: 12y x 12y
Place small goals in all four corners. The attackers start in the corners, the defenders start in the center and on the end line. The 2v2 starts with a pass from a defender to one of the two attackers. Switch roles after the turn is over. Players switch fields every eight minutes.
Game: Keep track of goals scored.
Focus Points:
- Block shots

All For One - Dribbling Game
Set Up:
Mark off a square field that is about 15 yards by 15 yards. Each player will start with a soccer ball. On the whistle, the players have to dribble within the field and keep their ball under control while trying to knock out the other players' soccer ball. When a player has their ball kicked off the field, they have to leave the game. The last player to keep possession of their ball wins that round.

5v5 Game
Organization:
Area: 40y x 25y
Two teams play 5v5 (4+GK), starting in 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass.
When working with multiple teams, rotate teams in and out when a goal is scored (winner stays on) or every couple of minutes.
Place the resting team on both sidelines with soccer balls, so they can bring in a ball quickly when they go out of bounds. This will keep the game tempo high.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Coaching Points:
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When the opponent is in possession, make the field small.
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When your own team is in possession, make the field large.
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After losing the ball, try to win it back as quickly as possible.
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After winning the ball try to go forward as quickly as possible to create a scoring chance. Ten Second Rule.
