Soccer Defending Drill
2v1 Defending: Delay and Recover
Two attackers go at one defender while a second defender races back. Defenders learn to slow the attack, stay goal-side and wait for help.
Step 1 of 7
1 and 2 attack the big goal. D defends alone. R waits at the gate and sprints back when 1 touches the ball.
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 5–9
- Ages
- 9–16U10–U17
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Defending
- Wins the ball
Set up
- Put 2 cones at halfway to make a gate about 5 yards wide. This is the defenders' goal.
- Two attackers start just in front of the gate with a ball. The first defender starts about 15 yards away, facing them.
- The recovering defender starts at the gate, behind the attackers. A keeper is in the big goal.
- Make groups of 4. Groups take turns, so everyone gets a short rest.
- Space
- Half field, about 30 x 40 yards
- You need
- 1 goal · 2 cones for the gate · Plenty of balls · Pinnies in two colors
How to play
- The attackers go at the big goal. The first defender steps up to slow them down.
- The recovering defender can sprint back as soon as the attackers touch the ball.
- The first defender backs off slowly, stays goal-side (between the ball and the goal) and pushes the ball carrier wide.
- When help arrives it is 2v2, and now the defenders can step in and win the ball.
- Attackers score in the big goal. Defenders score by passing or dribbling through the gate.
- Then the next group goes. Next turn, attackers and defenders swap roles.
Coaching points
- Delay: do not dive in. Slow the attack down until help arrives.
- Stay goal-side with knees bent, and turn your body to push the ball carrier wide.
- Stand where you can block the pass to the other attacker.
- Recovering defender: sprint back goal-side and call out so your teammate knows help is there.
- Win the ball on your feet. No slide tackles.
Easier
Let the recovering defender start closer, so help arrives sooner, and make the field narrower.
Harder
Start the recovering defender farther back, so the first defender must delay longer. Make the field wider, so there is more space to defend.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put 2v1 Defending: Delay and Recover in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.