1v1 Contain and Win
Defending
Legend
- player
- defender
- movement path
How it works
In a 1v1 against a parent or coach, practice staying on your feet, staying goal-side, and winning the ball cleanly.
What you need
- soccer ball
Your focus
1v1 defending is the ultimate defensive test. This drill trains the patience, timing, and physical positioning to contain an attacker and win possession.
Set a 5-yard wide by 10-yard deep grid.
Attacker starts at one end with the ball; defender at the other end.
Attacker tries to dribble past the defender to the far line. Defender tries to win the ball.
No fouling, the defender must time the tackle correctly.
Play 5 rounds. Defender gets 1 point for winning possession, attacker gets 1 for getting past.
Goal
You've nailed it when you win 3 of 5 rounds without fouling or getting completely turned.
Helpful cues
- Patience, wait for the attacker to make the mistake
- Stay side-on to block both routes
- Win the ball with the standing foot, not a lunge
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Attacker is limited to slow dribbling, no bursts of pace.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a second attacker the defender must account for.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.