Focus: Shooting / Dribbling Drill
Number of Players: +6
Age: +U5
Level: Easy
Setup:
- Position a cone approximately 10-15 meters outside the box.
- Divide the players into two teams and arrange them in two lines behind the cone.
- Have a coach prepared with an ample supply of balls to start the game.
- Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.
Why Use This Drill?
The 1v1 Shooting Drill offers an excellent opportunity for players to enhance their attacking and defensive skills in realistic through-ball 1v1 situations commonly encountered in actual games. Players develop a heightened situational understanding when dealing with unpredictable through-balls played behind the defensive line, benefiting both attackers and defenders.
This drill particularly focuses on:
- Situational Understanding: Players develop their awareness of unpredictable through-ball situations, vital for both attacking and defending players.
- Balance and Body Use: Participants learn to maintain balance during a high-speed run against an opponent. They also develop the skill of using their body effectively to gain an advantage without committing a foul.
- Shooting Under Pressure: The drill emphasizes shooting while at full speed and under pressure from an opponent. This mirrors real-game scenarios, providing valuable practice.
- Realistic Training: Given that through-ball 1v1 situations are commonplace in every game, this drill offers highly realistic training. Players benefit significantly from honing skills essential for such scenarios.
- Defensive Skills: Defenders, in particular, learn to apply pressure effectively during an opponent’s shot, disrupting their balance and potentially leading to a less accurate attempt on goal.
Overall, this drill stands as a valuable and realistic method to train through-ball 1v1 situations, contributing significantly to players’ overall skill development.
How It Works
The drill begins with the two initial players from each line preparing to sprint towards the goal, keeping their eyes in a straight line towards the goal. The coach initiates by delivering a pass in front of the players. As the players see the ball coming from behind, a 1v1 situation unfolds toward the goal.
Once the ball either finds the back of the net or goes out of bounds, the participating players return to the line, making way for a new pair to engage in the drill.
Coaching Flexibility: Coaches have the liberty to introduce variety in the initiation of the ball, fostering creativity and adaptability in players. Various starting techniques, such as the loop ball, passes to different sides, direct passes to players’ feet, or even intentionally misguided passes, challenge the players to adjust to diverse scenarios that mimic real-game situations.
This diversity in starting methods serves as valuable training, enhancing players’ reflexes and decision-making skills. It prepares them to navigate through different scenarios that might unfold in an actual match, ultimately contributing to their overall game intelligence.
Other Key Points:
- Watch out for players committing fouls during 1v1 situations.
- Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
- The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.
