1v1s through the middle

This session is about a face-on 1v1 that develops centrally. It is a session designed for strikers, with the end result hopefully being a shot on goal. The 1v1s are designed to improve players’ attacking processes in match situations, as well as helping to prolong sub-maximal activity – this is an exercise that does not exceed 90% of a player’s maximum heart rate.

We run this session regularly because 1v1s in the final third are one of the most valuable attacking outlets in the game, and in matches can often be the difference between winning and not winning.

What do I get the players to do?

The 1v1 is played out on a half-pitch – set up as shown in the diagram.

The forward starts at the halfway line, dribbles around the cones, then drives towards the mannequin at pace. He plays a wall pass with the coach, and drives around the other side of the mannequin to receive the ball back. As soon as the coach touches the ball, the defender becomes active and attempts to close down the forward. This creates a 1v1 at pace, where the attacker is encouraged to be positive, attack his man, and fire a shot at goal (1).

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What are the key things to look out for?

The idea is to create 1v1s at pace so that everything is game realistic. Having negotiated the chicane, forwards have to pay particular attention in making a well communicated wall pass with the coach (2).

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When approaching the defender, the key message for the striker is ‘trick, yard, shot’. He must be ready to perform a trick in order to evade his attention. The placement of the ball past the defender must be well planned, he should push the ball on no more than a couple of yards, and then unleash a controlled shot. It’s important not to allow the 1v1 to go on too long so that it stays match realistic.

At the end of each attack, the defender returns to his position and a new striker enters the practice.

How do I progress the session?

We can progress the session by giving the striker time restrictions, meaning that he has to get his shot away within a certain amount of time. We can also add a recovering defender (3), so if the striker takes too long he may find himself in a 2v1 situation.

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How would you put this into a game situation?

We can put this into a simple 5v5 small-sided game in a 60x50-yard area. The game is two-touch in the defensive half and ‘all in’ in the attacking half. Look for players to apply the principles learnt in the main session (4).

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