Soccer Attacking Drill
2v1 to Small Goals
Two attackers against one defender, with two small goals to attack. Dribble at the defender and pass when they come to you. Learn when to pass.
Step 1 of 5
The defender (D) starts by the goals with the ball. Attackers 1 and 2 wait at the far end.
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 5–9
- Ages
- 6–16U7–U17
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Passing
- Ball control
- Shooting
Set up
- Mark an area about 20 yards long and 15 yards wide. Put 2 small goals on one end line, facing in.
- Attackers line up in 2 lines at the other end. Defenders line up beside the goals with the balls.
- Switch the attackers and defenders every few turns.
- Space
- 20 x 15 yards with 2 small goals at one end
- You need
- 2 small pop-up goals · 4 cones for the corners · Lots of balls · Pinnies for the defenders
How to play
- The defender passes the ball to an attacker, then runs out to defend.
- The 2 attackers try to score in either goal.
- If the defender wins the ball, they score by dribbling over the attackers’ end line.
- After each go, the next three go right away.
Coaching points
- Dribble straight at the defender to make them choose.
- Defender comes to you? Pass to your partner. Defender stays back? Keep dribbling or shoot.
- Without the ball: stay wide and a little behind, so the pass is easy.
- Defender: slow them down and stand where you can block the pass.
Easier
Make the area wider, or the defender starts from the goal line.
Harder
A second defender joins 3 seconds later (2v1 becomes 2v2), or the attackers have 6 seconds to score.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put 2v1 to Small Goals in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.