Soccer Attackers vs Defenders Training Drill

Setup

  • 2 teams
  • 1 goalie
  • cones to mark off area
  • 1 goal. 2 mini goals
  • pinnies
  • 15-20 min

Rules & Objectives

  • one team (defenders) defends the goal with goalie and one team defends (attackers) the line opposite to the goal
  • defenders score by dribbling across the attacker's end line with control
  • attackers score by passing into one of the two mini goals off a first touch or on the goal with goalie off a second touch
  • if defenders score, direction of play changes and they get to attack the goal with goalie and mini goals

Variations

  • limit number of touches
  • add neutral player
  • adjust size of field if necessary

Coaching Points

  • Attacking: quick transitions
  • Attacking: vision
  • Attacking: angle, distance and timing of support
  • Attacking: decision making
  • Attacking: verbal and visual communication
  • Attacking: create space for others
  • Attacking: attack space behind defense
  • Defending: positioning to provide cover and balance
  • Defending: intercept passes
  • Defending: squeeze toward center
  • Defending: track players
  • Defending: visual and verbal communication

Difficulty: Intermediate

Emphasis: Attacking, Dribbling

Number of Players: 7+

Age Group: 12 to 15, 16+, 8 to 11

Format:

Additional Drills