1. Without ball, attacker jogs down the field changing direction (start slow) The defending player shadows their movements all the way down the field. They switch roles when they reach the end line.
2. The attacker now has a ball, the defender makes 3-4 good tackles as they go down the field.
3. The attacker now has a ball, and gets passed the attacker. The defender catches up and makes a tackle from the side.
1. Emphasize staying in front of the attacker, good defensive positon, never square to the player aways pick a side.
2. Don't spread feet too far apart, arms length away(have them reach out and touch the attackers shoulder to get the distance right)
3. Don't Dive In! Wait for a mistake to win the ball.
4. Never tackle from behind! Get parallel/in front of attacker before winning the ball.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.