Annual training plan · U9–U13

Week 10: Attacking 1 vs 1 on the Wing

3 complete training sessions with 13 drills – created by licensed coaches. Open every drill in the easy2coach web app with one click.

This week’s focus

Players who can win a 1 vs 1 are hugely important for your own attacking play. Against a compact and well-organised opponent, it is hard to create goal-scoring chances through passing alone. But if a player manages to beat an opposing defender with a dribble, it causes disorder in the opposition, because the next defender has to leave his position or his opponent.

This week is specifically about the attacking 1 vs 1 on the wing. A common mistake is for players to dribble along the line. That is much easier to defend than when the attacker dribbles straight at the defender. That forces the defender to drop off towards the inside, which opens up the flank for the attacker to break through. If the defender does not drop back inside in time, the dribble into the centre is the obvious choice.

Author Luis Österlein

Session 1

4 drills

The training starts with a cognitive drill. The players have to direct their attention not only to the ball at their feet but also to various additional tasks. They perform these alongside the ball work with their feet.

In Exercise 2 the players are prepared for the actual training focus through various forms of dribbling and the execution of feints.

After that, 25 minutes in total are spent on the attacking 1 vs 1 on the wing. Give the players enough time to catch their breath so that the 1 vs 1 situations are carried out as intensively as possible. You can also make excellent use of the breaks to give the players tips.

The training ends with 4 vs 4 on dribbling goals.

Coaching points for this session

1 vs 1 on the wing:

  • Dribble straight at the opponent
  • When feinting, shift the centre of gravity sufficiently
  • Go past the opponent with a change of pace
  • Make sure not to lose too much dribbling speed when feinting
  • Watch the defender's behaviour
Drill 1

Cognitive Drill: Action Circle

15 min
  • Exercise 1: Every player has a ball lying in front of them and performs step-overs alternately with the left and the right foot. At the same time the coach sets tasks that have to be solved without interrupting the footwork — for example arithmetic tasks or visual tasks.
  • Exercise 2: Every player takes a tennis ball in each hand. Both balls are thrown up a few centimetres at the same time and caught again with the arms crossed. They are then thrown up again and caught without the arms crossed. Step-overs over the ball continue to be performed at the same time.
  • Exercise 3: The ball is rolled back and forth between the feet. At the same time the players throw an additional ball to each other in a random order around the circle, catch it and throw it on to the next player.
  • Exercise 4: The ball is rolled back and forth, the coach stands in the centre of the circle. Numbers for different actions are agreed beforehand, for example catching or a header. The coach throws the ball and calls a number; the player carries out the corresponding action.

Note: The aim of the drills is to make the footwork a secondary matter and to give the brain additional work. As a result, match situations are recognised more quickly and the players can react more quickly.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: The players stand in a circle, the coach in the centre.

Equipment: One ball per player, two additional balls and two tennis balls per player.

Players: The whole group.

Coaching points
  • The aim of the drills is to make the footwork a "secondary matter" and additionally to keep the brain busy with further tasks. This means that match situations can be recognised more quickly and reacted to
Drill 2

Dribbling Warm-Up

15 min

The drill consists of two lanes, which are completed one after the other.

  1. In lane 1 the players dribble through the channel and back again at the end.
  2. In lane 2 the players dribble up to the cones one after the other and cut at each one.

Variations:

  • Lane 1: alternating right outside of the foot, right inside of the foot, right outside of the foot, right inside of the foot.
  • Lane 1: take the ball along with the sole of the foot.
  • Lane 1: let the ball swing to and fro between the feet and look up from the ball.
  • Lane 2: add a feint in front of the cones and use the arms.
  • Lane 2: cut with the outside of the foot, with the inside of the foot or behind the standing leg.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two separate lanes as shown in the graphic. In lane 1 the cones stand in two rows forming a channel, in lane 2 they are staggered one behind the other.

Equipment: 13 cones, 1 ball per player.

Players: The players spread out evenly over the two lanes and start one after the other.

Coaching points
  • Keep the ball close when dribbling.
  • Look up from the ball.
  • Start the feints in good time and keep an appropriate speed while doing so.
  • Use both feet.
  • Keep enough distance from the player in front.
Drill 3

1 vs 1 on the Wing from Short Distance

20 minHalf a pitch
  • The start always alternates from one side to the other.
  • The attacker dribbles at the defender from a short distance. The attacker therefore has to go past the defender explosively, ideally using a feint.
  • The aim is to finish on the goal behind the defender.
  • If the defender wins the ball, the defender has the option of countering through the cone goal.
  • Afterwards the pair joins the group on the opposite side and swaps roles there for the next round.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones and two goals.

Equipment: 2 goals, 4 cones and 1 ball per pair of players.

Players: All players spread out in pairs across both wings of the half pitch.

Coaching points
  • The defender closes off the inside lane, that is the direct route to goal.
  • The defender takes up a side-on position to the attacker at a short distance of about two metres.
  • Where appropriate, the defender uses defensive feints.
  • The defender takes note of the opponent's particular traits, for example if the opponent only dribbles with the right foot.
  • At first the defender drops back and keeps the distance to the ball.
  • As soon as the attacker tries to break through, the defender closes in, forces the attacker further towards the outside and tries to intercept the ball or to cross the attacker's path.
Drill 4

4 vs 4 with Dribbling Goals

25 min
  • Free play to dribbling goals.
  • Each team plays to two goals. This allows the play to be made wide, which creates more space for dribbling.
  • The focus is on dribbling and on the 1 vs 1.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones mark out the playing area, eight cones of a different colour form the dribbling goals, which are two to three metres wide.

Equipment: 12 cones and at least 1 ball.

Players: Two teams of four players each.

Coaching points
  • If necessary, limit the number of passes in order to force more dribbles and 1 vs 1 situations.
  • Go into the dribble decisively.
  • Run with the ball using the foot furthest from the opponent.
  • Mix in feints again and again.
The complete session as a ready-made training plan – with animated drills in the web app. Go to the web app

Session 2

5 drills

In total, 45 minutes of the 90-minute session are spent on the attacking 1 vs 1 on the wing. The players get to know different game situations.

For the first 15 minutes, the attackers are only a short distance from the defender. This means the attackers do not have the opportunity to build up high speed to go into the 1 vs 1.

For the second 15 minutes, the distance between the attacker and the defender is very large. So the attackers have the opportunity to dribble at the defender at high speed. However, the attacker should still have something in reserve in their dribbling speed in order to be able to surprise the defender with a change of pace.

The last 15 minutes work on the 1 vs 1 after a pass. Here you should pay particular attention that the attacker takes the ball into the dribble securely but at speed. In addition, the dribble should already go straight forward with the first touch, instead of taking the ball down the line.

Coaching points for this session

Coaching Points:

  • Beat the opponent with a change of pace
  • Give the defender no 2nd chance to win the ball
  • Cut across the defender's path
  • When feinting, shift the centre of gravity sufficiently
  • Watch the defender's behaviour
  • Dribble straight at the opponent
Drill 1

Dribbling at Speed with Cones

15 min20 x 20 metres
  • Every player moves around the playing area with the ball at the feet.
  • The player uses the cones as opponents while dribbling at speed and performs feints as specified by the coach.
  • On the coach's call, a cone of the colour named has to be dribbled around completely at a sprint.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones mark the playing area; nine to twelve cones in different colours are spread out inside it.

Equipment: 13 to 16 cones and one ball per player.

Players: All players move around the playing area with a ball.

Coaching points
  • Look up from the ball.
  • Perform the feints to a high quality.
  • Pay attention to the other players.
Drill 2

1 vs 1 from a Standing Start

20 minHalf a pitch
  • A 1 vs 1 is played from a short distance.
  • The attacker begins on the line of cones and may only act forwards.
  • The defender blocks the inside lane, drops back slowly and steers the attacker to the outside.
  • The attacker tries to finish on goal.
  • After winning the ball, the defender counters towards the cone goal.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark a dribbling goal on each side and limit the playing area towards the centre; a goal stands at one end.

Equipment: Cones, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: Pairs of one attacker and one defender each; plus a goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • Look up from the ball while dribbling.
  • Beat the defender with a feint.
Drill 3

1 vs 1 from Long Distance

20 minHalf a pitch
  • A 1 vs 1 from short distance begins.
  • The defender blocks the inside lane, retreats slowly and steers the attacker towards the outside.
  • After winning the ball, the defender counters towards the cone goal.

Note: The drill can be carried out from both sides at the same time.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones form the cone goals and limit the playing space towards the centre.

Equipment: Cones, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: One attacker and one defender each, positioned according to the graphic; plus a goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • The defender keeps a low centre of gravity.
  • The defender works on the balls of the feet.
  • The defender closes down immediately and adjusts the pace in good time.
  • Optionally the defender uses defensive feints.
Drill 4

1 vs 1 After a Pass from the Half-Pitch + Finish

25 minHalf a pitch
  • From the yellow cone a pass is played over 20 metres to the attacker.
  • The attacker takes the ball forward in the stride and goes into the 1 vs 1 from short range.
  • The blue cone serves as a reference point for the full-back, who steps out as the pass is played.
  • The defender closes off the inside lane, drops back slowly and steers the attacker towards the outside.
  • If the attacker manages to break through down the outside lane, a cross is played to the striker running in; the defender tries to prevent this.
  • Alternatively, the attacker may also cut inside and finish.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two cone goals and two starting cones are set up out wide, 25 to 30 metres in front of the goal; cones limit the playing space towards the centre.

Equipment: Cones, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: One attacker and one defender each, as well as a striker running in; in addition a goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • The defender moves out towards the attacker.
  • The defender adjusts the speed in good time.
  • The defender takes up a sideways-on position.
  • The defender offers the outside lane and therefore takes up a position slightly to the inside of the attacker.
  • The defender drops back in order to slow the attacker down.
Drill 5

Line Dribbling in a 4 vs 3

25 min
  • A 4 vs 3 is played.
  • The team with the overload plays with as few touches as possible until a player dribbles through the goals.
  • A goal counts when a cone goal is dribbled through.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four tall cones mark the playing area, eight cones form four dribbling goals.

Equipment: 4 tall cones, 8 cones and several balls.

Players: Four players with an overload against three defenders.

Coaching points
  • Use the overload to make the game wide.
  • Dribbling is more important than passing.
  • The defenders apply a high press.

Session 3

4 drills

To be particularly strong in the 1 vs 1 on the wing, a player needs abilities from 3 areas – fitness, technique and tactics.

As there is usually more space on the wing, explosive acceleration and a high top speed can be used very effectively to run past the opponent and give them no chance of a second challenge.

Of course these athletic abilities are of little use if the dribbling and feinting skills are not also well developed. After all, only a player who can dribble securely at high speed and under pressure from opponents is able to use their speed with the ball effectively.

If a fast player with well-developed dribbling skills then also brings the tactical understanding for the 1 vs 1 on the wing, that player is very hard to stop.

It is important that the attacker dribbles straight at the opponent and uses a change of pace to get past them. But a wide range of solutions for 1 vs 1 situations can also be helpful so as not to be predictable.

Coaching points for this session
  • Dribble straight at the opponent
  • Run past the opponent with a change of pace
  • Cut across the opponent's path
  • Give the defender no 2nd chance to challenge
  • When feinting, shift the centre of gravity sufficiently
Drill 1

Juggling the Ball without the Thigh

15 min
  • The players juggle the ball three times each in turn, but may not use the thigh.
  • If the ball drops to the ground, the pair is out.
  • The pair that juggles the longest without the ball dropping to the ground wins.

Variations:

  • Change partners after every round.
  • The ball must always be played once with the head.
  • Set an order — right, left, head.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: The players stand in pairs in the penalty area.

Equipment: One ball per two players.

Players: Pairs of two players each.

Drill 2

1 vs 1 on the Wing from Long Distance

20 min
  • Player A plays a lofted ball to Player B.
  • At the same time this is the signal for Player C to run towards Player B and close Player B down.
  • Player B has to take the ball perfectly and control it in order to be able to go into the 1 vs 1 at speed.
  • The attacker's aim is to finish on goal.
  • If the defender gets to the ball, the defender can counter towards the halfway line.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Three cones and one goal.

Equipment: 3 cones, 1 goal and at least 1 ball.

Players: Players A, B and C.

Coaching points
  • The defender has to close down the distance to the attacker quickly and block the inside lane, so that no chance to finish opens up for the attacker.
  • Because of the lofted ball the attacker has little time for the first touch and for taking the ball in stride, and therefore has to go past the defender explosively.
  • Ideally the attacker uses feints to beat the defender.
Drill 3

2 vs 2 on the Wing

25 min15 x 25 metres
  • In the marked area 2 vs 2 is played until a goal is scored.
  • The aim is to dribble through one of the two cone goals.
  • If the 2 vs 2 lasts longer than one to two minutes, or if a team has dribbled through a cone goal, the next two teams take their turn.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Red cones mark the playing area, yellow ones the dribbling gates.

Equipment: Cones in two colours and several balls.

Players: Several teams of two.

Drill 4

Small-Sided Game 4 vs 4 with End Zones

20 min
  • The game is played 4 vs 4 on two small goals.
  • The aim is to dribble into the end zone down the outside.
  • Once a player has arrived in the end zone, that player must finish with the first touch.
  • Defenders may not enter the end zone.
  • If a goal is scored, the team that scored the goal keeps possession. Otherwise a player of the other team starts from the end zone by playing a pass or dribbling into the area.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones and tall cones mark the playing area and the end zones; there are two mini goals at the ends.

Equipment: 2 mini goals, cones, tall cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams of four.

Coaching points
  • The team in possession makes the game wide.
  • Build in changes of position.
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