1v1 Battles – Pass then Defend
1v1 Battles – Pass then Defend is just another example of the importance of developing your players ability on the ball. Good ball mastery, pace, power, confidence and aggression are key aspects of this kind of training.
Teaching players to be on the front foot, to attack the defender & not let them delay and slow down the attack.
As soon as the receive the pass they need to be looking for an exit route. Where is the space, where can they go and then moving quickly.
If the defender gets back in and blocks that path, the same thought process needs to apply. Where is the next exit route and how can they get there.
This drill is the perfect way to teach that. With it only using such as small area you can have multiples running at the same time so the wait time is minimal.
1v1 Battles – Pass then Defend – How it Works
Set up small pitches as above, with two small goals in the far corners ( Cones will do if you don’t have small goals ) and a Mannequin or Cone in the middle of the pitch on the near side.
Player 1 will start with the ball in the near corner. Player 2 will start on the near side of the Mannequin or Marker.
Player 1 will play a firm pass into Player 2. A firm pass is suggested as it forces Player 2 to be on their toes and have good control if they want to gain the advantage.
Please note: THIS IS NOT A BLAST THAT CAN’T BE CONTROLLED.
As soon as Player 1 passes the ball they race around to the other side of the mannequin / marker and try and defend the situation.
Player 2 has to control the ball, watch for Player 1’s movement and then attack the space, get past them and score into one of the small goals.
Player 1 has to try and take the ball off them and also score in one of the small goals.
If the ball goes out of the pitch, no points are scored and the game ends.
Player 1 moves into Player 2’s position for the next round, Player 2 joins the back of the queue.
1v1 Battles – Pass then Defend – Coaching Points
Really get your attacking players to focus on pace, power & aggression straight from the off. This will give them the advantage.
If they start slow and don’t bring any of the above it really hands the advantage to the defenders. ( they defenders primary objective is to always delay the attack to allow support to come in )
By being on the front foot and taking the play to the defend it puts the forward in control.
They can they access where the space is and use that pace, power and aggression to exploit it.
1v1 Battles – Pass then Defend – What to Expect
Don’t expect them to get it straight away, in particular your more defensive players. Encourage them to try tricks, step overs and whatever the like. Freedom of expression with the ball in these games is key.
Most of all let them enjoy it. With small groups it will become and energy sapping exercise and that in itself brings another test.
Refer back to some of the Ball Mastery elements in the links below and work on different tricks, turns and escaping tight situations.
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