Soccer Defending Drill
1v1 Jockeying
The defender passes to the attacker, closes fast, then jockeys: stays low and patient, keeps them away from the gate and wins the ball.
Step 1 of 9
Watch one pair. D starts at the gate with the ball, A on the far end line. The next pair waits behind.
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 4–6
- Ages
- 7–16U8–U17
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Defending
- Wins the ball
- Ball control
Set up
- Mark a channel about 10 yards wide and 20 yards long. Put a small gate, about 3 yards wide, in the middle of one end line.
- Defenders line up behind the gate with the balls. Attackers line up on the other end line.
- Use two or three channels so the lines stay short and everyone gets lots of turns.
- Space
- Channel 10 yards wide, 20 yards long
- You need
- 6 cones per channel · Balls for the defender line · Pinnies (optional)
How to play
- The defender passes to the attacker, then sprints forward to close the gap.
- For the last few yards, the defender slows down, gets low and turns sideways, one foot in front of the other.
- The attacker tries to dribble through the gate. Jockey: stay about an arm's length away, back off as they come, and steer them toward a sideline.
- Step in to win the ball only when the attacker's touch is too big. Stay on your feet, no sliding.
- If the defender wins it, they score by dribbling over the attacker's end line.
- Next pair goes. Switch lines after each turn so everyone plays both roles.
Coaching points
- Sprint to close, then slow down with quick, small steps for the last few yards.
- Knees bent, on your toes, one foot in front of the other.
- Stand so the attacker is pushed toward the sideline, away from the gate.
- Eyes on the ball, not on the attacker's fancy moves.
- Be patient. Wait for the big touch, then pounce.
Easier
Make the channel narrower and have the attacker dribble at walking speed while defenders learn the stance.
Harder
Make the channel or the gate wider, or let the attacker score anywhere on the end line.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put 1v1 Jockeying in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.