Exercises › Game exercise
1v1 to 2v2 and 3v2: defending when outnumbered
- 20 min
- 8–14 players
- 9v9
- 11v11
- Organized defending
- Counter-attack
A two-phase drill that teaches players to defend 1v1, 2v2 and when outnumbered. Phase 1: a high-tempo 1v1 duel goes straight into a 2v2 transition against defenders recovering. Phase 2: the same 1v1 is built up into a 3v2 for the attackers. The coaching points are about defending: get low, close the path to goal and force the attacker onto the weaker foot. Two defenders stay together in the middle and shift as a unit. See the video for the set-up and measurements. Source: Pelota Academy / Pro Footballer Skills (YouTube).
What the coach should look for
- Get low and close the path to goal.
- Force the attacker onto the weaker foot.
- Two defenders stay together and shift as a unit.
- Protect the middle, force play wide.
The video belongs to its creator and plays at the source.
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