1v1 Attacking Play
by John O’Sullivan
The following is a great session for all ages emphasizing 1v1 play. We need to encourage our players to become proficient in individual battles, both offensively and defensively, and confident in their ability to take players on when the situation requires it.
1. Warm Up:
- 40 x 30yd grid, all players with a ball
- all manner of dribbling, turning, shielding
- CP’s: emphasize attacking moves, game speed, change of direction/pace
2. Phase I: 1v1 Ladder Game
- 2 10 x 15yd boxes, 1 goal with GK, 2 bibs
- Players in line A take on defenders in boxes (Defenders cannot leave box). If they beat both defenders, they shoot on goal. If a defender wins ball, attacker takes his place.
- CP’s: attack at speed, drive into open space, encourage creativity, but stress simplicity
3. Phase II: 4v4 in 40 x 30 yd grid
- Play 4v4 with no forward passes. Players can only penetrate by dribbling, point scored by dribbling across end line, players can only mark one opponent
- Progression: players can switch off defensively
- CP’s: look to dribble first and pass second, create 1v1 situations and don’t hesitate, take chances
4. Phase III: 8v8 Conditioned Game, 70 x 60 yd field, split in half
- 2-3-2 formation, encourages 1v1 opportunities, especially out wide
- no forward passes in attacking half
- CP’s: look to create 1v1 situations, take players on whenever the chance presents itself, take chances in attacking half
5. Game: 8v8 in a 2-3-2 formation