Drills / Team practice

Attack, then defend: waves

Two attack one. When the attack ends, the one defender and a new partner attack the other way against the players who just attacked. Nobody rests for long, and everyone switches quickly between attacking and defending.

Players
9 to 14, plus 2 goalkeepers
Space
35 × 25 m with a goal at each end
Kit
2 goals, balls, bibs
Time
15 minutes
Age
Under-9s and older
2V1 THE OTHER WAYGKGK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Set up

  • A goal and keeper at each end. Players queue beside each goal, in two teams.
  • The coach stands at halfway with the balls.

How it works

  1. The coach plays a ball to two orange players. They attack against one blue defender.
  2. When they score or the ball goes out, the keeper or coach gives a new ball to the blue defender, who attacks the other way with a new blue player, 2 against 1.
  3. One of the two orange players stays to defend. The other joins the queue.
  4. Keep it flowing. A new attack starts every 15 seconds.

What to work on

  • The moment it ends, switch on. Win the race to be first into position.
  • Attack quickly before the defender is ready.
  • Defender on your own: delay. Get between the ball and the goal and stay on your feet until help arrives.
  • Make quick decisions: pass, dribble, or shoot.

Easier

2v1 every time, without the switch, until the pattern is clear.

Harder

3v2 waves.

Planning a whole session? The session planner builds one around this kind of practice.

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