Defending 1v1 / 2v2 / Matched Up

"The goalkeeper is the jewel in the crown and getting at him should be almost impossible. It’s the biggest sin in football to make him do any work." - George Graham

Defending 1v1 / 2v2 / Matched Up - Key Points & Considerations

We've collated some of the key coaching points and things you may want to consider when setting up sessions based around defending in 1v1 and 2v2 situations and as a defensive unit when the numbers are generally matched up. Remember - getting all the coaching points across in one session is impossible - these are meant as a source of ideas that you can introduce slowly and layer on as the players' understanding and ability level increases over time.

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1v1 Defending

This simple practice introduces the basics of 1v1 defending to your players, with a focus on the techniques involved in holding up your opponent, showing them in a particular direction (in this case, away from goal) and actually tackling them when the opportunity presents itself.

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2v2 Defending

This practice is a natural step on from the 1v1 defending exercise. The same key points apply, but now add in working as a unit with a team mate, one pressing the ball whilst the other covers and communication between the pair to help them work more effectively. Because it's set up on a small "pitch" that involves scoring goals for the attacking team, young players generally enjoy that aspect of it, whilst allowing you to get your key defending coaching points across.

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Defending as a Unit - Small Sided Game

This small sided game gives your players the opportunity to work on defending as a unit repeatedly in a match-like scenario. The skills they have learned in earlier 1v1 and 2v2 defending practices are put to the test, with the added challenge of working as a team to defend the goal, recover to get back into shape if they lose the ball high up the pitch and to transition defence into attack when they win the ball back.

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Defending as a Unit Explained - Invisible String!!!

This page explains some of the positional and technical points you might want to help your players understand if they are to effectively defend as a unit. It fits with the 4v4 small sided game practice linked to above.

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