1v1 Attack to Defence Transition Drill

Players compete in a 1v1 transition drill using small goals across two marked zones.
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Statistically, scoring in counterattacks is easier than in other game situations. While the defending team may not be outnumbered, they are often caught out of shape, so the first seconds after losing the ball are critical. This attack to defence transition drill will help your players stop counterattacks after losing possession.

Setup

This drill is designed for six players (three per team) to keep the game flowing while maintaining intensity, but you can run it with as few as four players, making it ideal for sessions with low attendance. You can also organise multiple groups playing the same game if you have more players.

You do not need a full pitch, just enough space for the players and goals. You will need at least six balls (one per player), two small goals, and cones to mark two zones with a small goal in each. If small goals are unavailable, use cones instead.

Instructions

This is a simple 1v1 football game, but the goal tally is kept per team, not per individual. The team scoring the most goals wins. Follow these rules and progressions:

  • Each team forms a queue behind the cone opposite the goal in their zone.
  • A player in one team starts the attack by running with a ball toward the goal.
  • A player on the other team runs across the opposition zone to stop the attack.
  • The attacking player can shoot only after running past the red cone in the middle of the zone.
  • The defending player is not allowed to make sliding tackles.
  • The attack finishes as soon as the defender wins the ball, the ball goes out of play, or a goal is scored.
  • If a goal is scored or the ball goes out, a new 1v1 starts immediately in the other zone: a player waiting with the ball attacks, and the previous attacker must sprint across to defend, transitioning from attack to defence.
  • After defending, each player retrieves the ball they used during their attacking turn, keeping the rotations fast.

You can time each bout to maintain intensity. The more attacks a team generates, the more chances they have to score, so a 10-minute game works well.

Takeaways

This attack to defence transition drill focuses on transitioning, but it also develops other parts of the game:

  • Dribbling skills.
  • Defensive skills in 1v1 situations.
  • Shooting accuracy, because the small goals demand clinical finishes.
  • Patience when defending, as no sliding tackles are allowed.
  • Fitness, especially when teams are limited to three players.
  • Ball control with both feet, helping players win more duels.

The animation and the video below should help you understand the instructions.

1v1 attack to defence transition drill animation

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