Defending

1v1 Defending Drill in a Channel

This 1v1 defending drill takes place in a narrow 25 × 10 m channel, so the defender can't hide and the attacker can't run around them. The defender passes to the attacker, closes them down, shows them one way and tries to win the ball before they reach the end line.

AgesU8 to adult
Players4 to 8
Space25 × 10 m
Time12 min
IntensityHigh

Animate it in DrawTactics

It develops closing-down speed, a low side-on stance and the patience to tackle at the right moment. It's especially useful for full-backs and center-backs, but every outfield player defends 1v1 at some point in a game.

Setup

Mark a channel 25 m long and 10 m wide with a disc on each corner. Three defenders queue behind one end line, each with a ball, and three attackers queue behind the other end. The defender passes to the attacker and closes them down; the attacker tries to dribble over the defender's end line.

Equipment4 discs for the corners, 1 ball per defender, Bibs

How it works

The first defender passes the length of the channel to the first attacker.
The defender sprints out to close down while the attacker carries the ball into the channel.
The attacker tries to cut across to the other side and the defender stays with them, still pressing.
The defender wins the ball.

Diagram of the 1v1 defending drill in a channel with every pass and run — Every step of the drill on one diagram.

Coaching points

Close down fast while the ball travels, then slow down as it arrives
Stand side-on with knees bent and weight on your toes
Show the attacker one way, onto their weaker foot or toward the touchline
Be patient: tackle when the ball leaves their foot
Stay an arm's length away so you can react to a change of direction

Make it harder

Narrow the channel
The attacker can also score in a mini goal
If the defender wins it, they counter by dribbling over the attacker's end line

Make it easier

Widen the channel
The attacker walks with the ball

Adapting it by age

U8–U10

Shorten the channel to 15 m and keep it 10 m wide. Let attackers dribble at walking pace for the first few reps so defenders can practice their stance.

U12–U14

Use the default 25 × 10 m. Before each rep the coach names the side to show the attacker, and the defender earns a point for keeping them that way.

U15 to adult

Narrow the channel to 8 m and let defenders counter over the far line when they win it. Track wins per defender over the session.

Common mistakes

Defenders run in square-on and the attacker pushes it through their legs. Ask for a side-on body with one foot in front, so they can turn and run with the attacker.

Defenders stop too far away and the attacker strolls past. Sprint while the pass is traveling, then brake with short steps when the attacker touches it.

Defenders lunge at the first feint. Tell them to tackle only when the ball is off the attacker's foot, and praise patience as well as tackles.

FAQ

Which way should a defender show the attacker?
Usually onto their weaker foot or toward the touchline, away from goal. Agree the side with the team so cover is in the right place.

Why use a narrow channel?
A narrow channel takes away the attacker's room to go around, so the defender's closing down and body shape decide the duel.

Make this drill your own

Open the 1v1 defending drill in a channel in DrawTactics to change the numbers and the size of the area, move the players, and export your own animation or diagram for your team. Or add it to a free session plan and print it.

Animate it in DrawTactics