1v1 Attacking to a Full-Size Goal

Chris Johnson 30,723 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This 1v1 attacking drill that focuses on beating the defender in a 1v1 situation and finishing on a full-size goal.

Soccer Drill Diagram: 1v1 Attacking to a Full-Size Goal

1v1 to a full-size goal

1v1 attacking drill that focuses on beating the defender in a 1v1 situation and finishing on a full-size goal.
Drill Setup

  1. Set two full-size goals about 25 yards from each other with a goalkeeper in each goal.
  2. Split the team into two groups starting at each of the two goals. 
  3. Both teams will need a supply of balls near.
  4. Designate one team as the defensive team. These players start with the ball.
  5. The other team is the attackers. They do not need at ball at this time.
Drill Instructions

  1. The defensive player plays a long ball into the first attacker and quickly closes down the attacker.
  2. The attacking player receives the ball and quickly takes on the defender.
  3. Once the defender is beat, the attacking player finishes on goal.
  4. If the defensive player wins the ball cleanly the play is over and on to the next attacker.
  5. After each attacker has had an opportunity to play the two groups switch roles.
Drill Variations

  • Each team attacks with each player, then the two groups switch roles.
Drill Coaching Points

  • Good controlling touch
  • Quality approach with the right amount of speed and control
  • Make sure the attacker dribbles directly at the defender.
    Have the player "fake" by stepping over the ball, having a hard step, stutter-step, dragging a foot or toe, dipping their shoulders, faking a kick, or using their eyes to look in a direction opposite of where they are going.
  • Good change of direction once a fake is made to move away from the defender.
  • Good change-of-pace to leave the defender once they have them off-balanced from the fake and change of direction.

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 159,533 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 572,437 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 492,010 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 719,378 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 342,407 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 248,343 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 198,737 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 799,620 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 340,759 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 690,774 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.