2v1 waves

Start & organisation

  • Divide group into two teams and position as shown on a narrow field
  • Nominate one team to be ‘attackers’ and one team to be ‘defenders’
  • 1 defender passes the ball to 2 attackers, who try and score (2v1)
  • If you dont’ have goals or a goalkeeper, you can modify the scoring system to be dribbling over the end line
  • After each turn, a new defender feeds a new ball to 2 new attackers
  • Swap teams as appropriate

Timings: 20-45 minutes
Pitch area: Long field
Other rules: Offside rule applies
Progressions/regressions:

  • Encourage attackers to try and beat the defender 1v1 (this will create more coaching opportunities for the first defender)
  • Can progress to 3v2

What to look for

  • Is the defender moving towards the ball and closing the space for the attacker?
  • Is the defender moving towards the ball while blocking the attackers route to goal?
  • Is the defender getting close enough to the attacker to be able to effectively win the ball?

What the coach can do

  • Demonstrate how and where the defender should close the attacker
  • Ask players questions about how close they should get to the defender