Coaching objective
Two attackers use width, timing, and the defender’s movement to create a high-quality finish.
Setup
- Mark a channel 18–24 yards long and 14–18 yards wide.
- Two attackers start together against one defender.
- Use a goalkeeper, mini goals, or a scoring line at the far end.
Rules and scoring
- The attack begins on the coach’s pass or the first attacker’s touch.
- Attackers must finish within eight seconds.
- The defender scores by winning the ball and passing through the starting gate.
Coaching cues
- Ball carrier: drive directly at the defender to force a decision.
- Support player: create width but remain close enough to receive.
- Pass only when the defender commits; otherwise keep travelling with the ball.
- After the pass, continue the run for a return ball or rebound.
Coach’s key teaching points
- Do not let the ball carrier pass too early and turn a 2v1 into a predictable chase.
- The supporting player should arrive level with or slightly ahead of the ball at the decisive moment.
- Coach both possible solutions: pass around the defender or dribble through the open lane.
Defending priorities
- Delay and protect the route to goal first.
- Angle the pressure to make the pass predictable.
- Do not get caught between players; decide when to engage the ball.
Common errors to correct
- Attackers running in the same vertical lane.
- Ball carrier looking only at the teammate instead of the defender.
- Supporting player moving too far ahead and becoming unavailable.
Progress the drill
- Add a recovering defender after two seconds.
- Require a one-touch finish after the final pass.
- Begin from a turnover so players must react instead of waiting.
Simplify the drill
- Increase the width of the channel.
- Let the defender begin slightly deeper.
- Remove the time limit.
What to measure
- Percentage of attacks ending with a shot.
- Number of times the defender is committed before the pass.
- Quality and timing of the supporting run.