1v1 Elimination Challenge
This drill sharpens 1v1 attacking, defending, and finishing under pressure. Players must react quickly after scoring, transition between attack and defense, and stay composed in high-pressure situations.
1v1 soccer drill, finishing, defending, transition play, competitive game
A competitive 1v1 drill that enhances attacking skills, defending resilience, and quick transitions as players battle to eliminate opponents by scoring goals.
Drill Setup
- Field Size: 20x30 yards
- Goals: Two small goals (Pugg goals) on each end line
- Players: Two teams (red & yellow) positioned outside the grid near the midline
- Ball Supply: Large supply of balls near the coach at midfield
- Roles:
Red Team: Always defends one goal
Yellow Team: Always defends the opposite goal
Drill Instructions
- The coach plays a ball into the field, and one player from each team enters to play 1v1.
- If a player scores, they stay on the field and quickly return to their half to receive another ball from the coach, making it a make-it-take-it style game.
- The player who concedes the goal is eliminated and leaves the game.
- A new defender from the eliminated player’s team immediately steps on, and play continues.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, both players return to their lines, and two new players enter to play.
- The game continues until one team eliminates all players from the opposing team.
Drill Variations
- Time Limit: Require attackers to score within 5-10 seconds to encourage urgency.
- Weaker Foot Challenge: Players must finish with their weaker foot to improve balance and shooting ability.
- Defensive Advantage: Give defenders a slight head start to increase difficulty for attackers.
- Double Elimination: If a player scores two goals in a row, they can eliminate two opponents instead of one.
- Team Rotation: If one team eliminates all opponents, mix up teams and restart to keep intensity high.
Drill Coaching Points
This drill enhances individual attacking and defensive skills while adding a fun, high-energy elimination component that keeps players engaged and competitive.
- Encourage Aggressive Attacking: Attackers should drive at defenders with pace and confidence.
- Defensive Resilience: Defenders must stay disciplined and delay attackers rather than diving in.
- Quick Transitions: Players should react instantly after scoring and be ready for the next play.
- Finishing Under Pressure: Attackers must use precise shooting techniques to beat defenders and score.
- Game Awareness: Players should anticipate when to attack space or shield the ball based on positioning.
Equipment
- Disc Cones/Markers - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Pugg Goal - Use Pugg or other pop-up goals that are lightweight, portable goals for small-sided games.
Drill Ages
- 7 - U7, Under 7, 7 and Under
- 8 - U8, Under 8, 8 and Under
- 9 - U9, Under 9, 9 and Under
- 10 - U10, Under 10, 10 and Under
- 11 - U11, Under 11, 11 and Under
- 12 - U12, Under 12, 12 and Under
- 13 - U13, Under 13, 13 and Under
- 14 - U14, Under 14, 14 and Under
- 15 - U15, Under 15, 15 and Under
- 16 - U16, Under 16, 16 and Under
- 17 + - U17, U18, U19, U20, and Older
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