Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: 2 vs 1

2 vs 1 DRILLS
View All

3 vs 2 - Two channels

2 players in one channel attack 1 defender whilst another attacker and defender wait in the other channel. The 2 attackers in the first channel play a 2 vs 1, trying to score a goal. However the 2nd defender can choose to come across and help defend making it a 2 vs 2 . Having drawn both defenders across into one channel the 2 attackers may choose to use the other channel and exploit the open space or continue to attack without using the unmarked player.

1 v 1 skills

Attacking From Crosses 2 vs 1

Two players begin the drill on the wings with the ball, while to players wait in the centre. The two players on the wing will run in opposite directions (attacking opposite goals). The central players begin their run once the crosser has taken their first touch. After the cross has been delivered players swap roles.

Crossing and Finishing

Diamond formation practice

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue. Set up in the formation: 2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK. The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options. Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

Defending

Double cross - Twice the chance to score

Player 1 starts the drill of by passing the ball to the wide player. The wide player then crosses the ball into the box on their first touch for both the attacking players to run onto and attack (near and far post runs). Immediately after the two strikers have headed for goal the opposite wide player then delivers in another cross into the box. After the second cross players swap roles (crossers join the queue and the attackers become the two next crossers).

Crossing and Finishing

Quick deep pass - Outnumber the defenders

Working on playing a quick pass to the deepest player on your team. Using the route one pass to quickly outnumber the opposition's defence. After receiving the hard pass from the midfield player (red 3) the players should try to shake off the defender before then deciding to either play the pass to one of their team-mates or going it alone. Finish the drill with an attempt at goal.

Passing and Receiving

Shoot, Recover, Finish

Make a pitch from the edge of one penalty box to the same the other end, full width. Set up a goal with a GK at each end. A group of Attackers start in the centre circle. A group of Defenders start offset to the left of them. The coach feeds the ball in to and Attacker and they run forward to a 1 vs 1 situation with 1 Defender. The Attacker should take on the Defender and attempt to score. Once the Attacker has taken a shot they recover in an arc to receive a ball cross in from the right side. As this is going on, when the GK at the other end has seen the coach pass the first ball then they pass the ball to a player in the fullback position out to the right (F). F passes the ball down the line to a winger (W), who will be the one to cross the ball in after the Attacker has taken their first shot. At the same time the exact same is happening at the other end of the pitch. Players move positions: The Attacker becomes the F for the other side, attacking in the other direction. F follows their pass to become the W, the W joins the line of Attackers. Rotate the Defenders after 5 minutes. Play different progressions/variations for about 30 minutes in total. Includes breaks for water and feedback to the players

Crossing and Finishing

3 vs 2 - Two channels 1 v 1 sk...

2 players in one channel attack 1 defender whilst another attacker and defender wait in the other channel. The 2 attackers in the first channel play a 2 vs 1, trying to score a goal. However the 2nd defender can choose to come across and help defend making it a 2 vs 2 . Having drawn both defenders across into one channel the 2 attackers may choose to use the other channel and exploit the open space or continue to attack without using the unmarked player.

General

Attacking From Crosses 2 vs 1 ...

Two players begin the drill on the wings with the ball, while to players wait in the centre. The two players on the wing will run in opposite directions (attacking opposite goals). The central players begin their run once the crosser has taken their first touch. After the cross has been delivered players swap roles.

General

2 v 1 overlap switch Shooting ...

Two attacking players against one defender. The player who starts with the ball passes the ball square to the other player. This player runs towards the defender (isolating the defender) allowing the other player to loop round and overlap them to receive the ball in the space created. After receiving the pass this player should then have a shot at goal.

General

2 V 1 Conditioned games - Foot...

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals.2 from one side and 1 from the other enter.The 2 must beat the defender and score

General

1-2 and cross Crossing and Fin...

Set up as shown. Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3. At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser. Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.

General

1 V 1 - 3 Goal Game Defending ...

Two players line up on opposite sides of a square. The attacking player dribbles the ball towards the centre before then attempting to stop the ball between one of the goals. The goal nearest to the defender's starting point is worth 10 points as it is the hardest goal to stop the ball in. The middle goal is worth 5 and the top goal only 1 point.

General

2v1 Functional Play Passing an...

Player 1 starts with the ball. The ball is played in with pace to the feet of player 2. As the ball is played in player 2 moves to the ball, and with their first touch aim to bring the ball inside and round the defender. The same can be done on the outside towards the touch line.

General

Bedknobs and Broomsticks 1 v 1...

Position players in 2 lines on each side of the area as shown in the diagram. Number each player from 1-6. This game is a throw back to the Disney classic, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The coach calls out a number between 1 and 6. The numbered player from each team must run around the outside of the field and through the goal at the top or bottom of the diagram onto the field of play. The coach serves a ball into the middle of the area. Players must compete to win the ball and attempt to dribble or shoot the ball through the goal at the opposite end of the area from which they entered.

General

3 v 2 Crossing and Finishing -...

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals.3 from one side and 2 from the other enter.The 3 must beat the defender and score

General

1 vs 2 Attacking A Goal Defend...

Two players line up on opposite sides of the grid to each other, with a third player placed between them in goal. Player 1 dribbles the ball around the cone and then tries to score in the goal. Player 2 must also run around the far cone before then attempting to stop player 1 from scoring.

General

6 v 2 RWTB Dribbling - Footbal...

Objective: Application of running with the ball in a small sided game format.Detail:Use a box - box area on a pitch or set up 50 x 70 (older players).Split up the players into 6 v 2 in 2 end zones.Players in group 1 run with the ball to group 2 across the central zone.2 defenders enter the zones once the ball and players have arrived.

General

Football: 1 v 1 Passing Grid w...

Set up 6 3x3m gris in the centre with 2 goals at either side.Split the group into groups of 6 and place a attacker and a defender in each gridThe attackers must retain the ball through passing until there is an oppurtunity to play a through ball. One attacker runs on to this and attempts to score. Through out each player must stay in their grid and only one attacker can run onto the through ball

General

1 Vs 1 - Four cone game 1 v 1 ...

Players start on cones on the opposite side of the grid. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes it to player 2. As soon as player 2 touches the ball, player 1 can try to win the ball. Player 2 must try and dribble to any of the 3 spare cones in the grid. Player 2 scores one point for beating their opponent to either of the cones on the side and two points if he dribbles the ball around player 1 to the cone at the top of the area. Repeat the practice with player 1 in possession.

General

1 Vs. 1 Channelling Defending ...

Two teams line up side by side behind their cones. When the player with the ball sets off to run around the cone the drill is live. The player with the ball must run around the cone and then try to score a goal in the defender's side goal by dribbling the ball across the line. This will score them a point. The defenders have to try and force the player to run across their own goal line or tackle them and run the ball over the line themselves. The winner is the first team to 3 goals. After this you can swap the roles around, with the attackers now defending and vice versa.

General

6 vs 2 Invasion Game Defending...

High Intensity drillThis a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Soccer Dril...

Play 4 v 2 keep-away. Attackers are stationed in the corners of the grid. One ball per group. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Attacker 1 starts with the ball. The object is to pass the ball around the outside and middle of the square, playing keep-away from the two defenders. Players score 1 point for a pass around the defenders and 2 points for a penetrating pass that splits the defenders. How many passes can be made before defenders force the ball out 3 times or score 1 goal? Repeat and rotate.

General

1v1 1 v 1 skills - Football Dr...

The feeder starts with the ball. They play the ball with a push pass forward. As the ball is played players 1 and 2 sprint to the ball. The first player to touch the ball becomes the attacker while the other player becomes the defender.

General

Ring the Doorbell 1 v 1 skills...

Both players face each other on either side of a line drawn between 2 cones (10 metres apart). Both players must stay on their own side of the imaginary line. Player 1 starts with the ball and to score a goal he/she must stop the ball against one of the two cones. If the ball crosses the line or player 2 puts a foot on the line next to the cone before player 1 touches the ball against it, then possession changes to player 2. Play for 1 minute then change.

General

Receiving the pass - 2v1 Shoot...

Player 1 comes short to receive the ball from player 2; player 1 dummies and spins out left. Player 3 comes to take ball and passes back across for player 1 to shoot. Player 3 then goes to far post for rebounds.

General

Simple 2v1 Possession Possessi...

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).<br>Coaching Points:- <br>Use of dummies<br>Pass with all parts of both feet

General

Two balls: 2v1 grid game Condi...

Set up a 5x5 metre grid with three players and two balls. The defending player starts in the middle of the grid, facing the two attackers. When everyone is ready the two attackers both set off and try to run out the opposite side of the grid without being tackled by the defender.

General

3 vs 1 Keep ball Possession - ...

Straight forward passing and moving drill with only two touches on the ball. The blue players off the ball can only receive the ball at one of the four cones in each corner of the area and the red player is trying to intercept the ball.

General

1 v 1 up and down 1 v 1 skills...

The drills starts with one player from group 1 (reds) running with a ball to the opposing goal, trying to score.<br /><br /> As soon as they have a shot at goal, a player from group 2 (yellows) runs with a ball to the other goal to try and score. The player that had the first shot has to try and defend against the player from group 2.<br /><br /> When this player scores or loses the ball to the defender, the next player starts from group 1 and the player that had the shot becomes the new defender. The player that had the first shot and then defended, goes to the back of there queue. (Players should always finish up in the same queue and attack the same goal).

General

2v1 To A Goal Passing and Rece...

Set up as shown with two attackers and one defender, with the defender positioned closest to the goal. Attackers must look to pass the ball quickly  before dribbling it into the goal.

General

1v1 to Goal 1 v 1 skills - Foo...

Organise the players into groups of 3, with 1 goalkeeper and 2 outfield players. Player 1 and player 2 stand or sit facing away from goal. The goalkeeper then throws the ball out and player 1 and player 2 play the ball back to the goal, passing between them before shooting.

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

General

2 back 1 forward free dribble ...

Player(s) dribble from one cone to the other. They work on taking 2 touches backwards with the soles of one foot and push the ball forward with the interior of the other foot. Once they reach one cone, they turn and accelerate back to the start before repeating.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
2 vs 1 ANSWERS
View All

how can I progress this session?

Cedric Pisani Coach, Malta

hello ive got a under 10s team im trying to make them?

hello ive got a under 10s team im trying to make them pass and move and get the player who has the ball support we are playing seven a side at the moment i play 3-2-1

gavin prince Coach, England

How to stop my U10s 'bunching' in matches?

every game we play the team always bunch up leaving space on the pitch, is there any session or drill i can do that will get them to space out on the pitch ?i coach u10 girls team

Archived User Coach

panicking when a opposition have the ball near the box

help I need to know some drills that I can do with my U10 on how to stay calm when defending

sean brooks Coach, United Kingdom

difficulty

is there any way to make it harder for the defender

Gethin walters Coach, England

Where to start training my two...

I am coaching two U12 boys groups. They have minimal training in the past, I have worked on dribbling and passing. Just starting 1 v 1s. I am training now in a gym, was wondering if any one had any drills that would work with approx. 15 kids?

Archived User Coach

Managing Substitutions u9s - 7...

Hi I have quite a large squad (11) for my U9s team. Sometimes not all of them turn up but when they do managing the substitutions can be a nightmare. Have tried planning it out and making 3 subs on a rotation every 6 or 7 minutes. This works OK, just wondered how others do it? Thanks! Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Andrew Ellis Coach, England
2 vs 1 COMMUNITY DRILLS
View All

2 vs 1

Actividad 3 se hará el miércoles

Scoringstrening 2 vs 1

Sivuraja malli 1

Autosave 67361448Autosave 55828875

2 VS 1 + DEFINICION

Finishing 2 vs 1 (Long ball)

2v1 veskoilla

2 vs 1 attacking / defending

2 vs 1

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
session planscrossingsocceroverlapwarm upspre seasonshootingfirst touchcornersdribblingbarcapassingdefendingpossession3rd man rungoalkeeperwarm upcreating spacefitnessheading

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create professional soccer coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested soccer plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of soccer coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT