Coaching objective
The attacker recognizes space, attacks the defender’s front foot, and accelerates past pressure.
Setup
- Create a channel approximately 12 yards wide and 18–22 yards long.
- Place a mini goal or scoring gate at the far end.
- Attackers start with a ball; defenders begin five to seven yards away.
Rules and scoring
- The attacker scores by dribbling through the gate or finishing in the mini goal.
- The defender scores by winning the ball and dribbling over the starting line.
- Restart immediately and rotate attacker and defender after each turn.
Coaching cues
- Take the first touch forward and threaten the space.
- Attack the defender’s front foot rather than dribbling straight at the middle.
- Use a change of direction followed by a sharp change of speed.
- Protect the ball with the body once you get alongside the defender.
Coach’s key teaching points
- Encourage the attacker to look at the defender’s feet and body angle before choosing a move.
- Coach the moment of acceleration more than the trick itself.
- Reward positive decisions, even when the defender occasionally wins the ball.
Common errors to correct
- Taking too many small touches before engaging the defender.
- Performing a move too far away to affect the defender.
- Beating the defender but slowing down instead of attacking the goal.
Progress the drill
- Add a five-second time limit.
- Require a finish with the weaker foot.
- Allow the defender to recover after being beaten.
Simplify the drill
- Make the channel wider.
- Begin with a passive defender.
- Let the attacker start closer to goal.
What to measure
- Percentage of attacks that reach the scoring zone.
- Ability to accelerate after the move.
- Number of successful actions on each side.