U14–HS · Defending · 16 min
Beaten, Then the Line
When you lose the 1v1, the next action is a recovery run onto the goal side — not a second dive, not a walk.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- Channel 15×30 into a full goal
- Equipment
- 8 cones · 1 goal · pinnies · 4 balls
Organization
Defender starts even with the attacker, 25 yards out. Attacker tries to finish. If beaten, defender must recover into the line between ball and goal before the shot. 8 reps each.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
North goal. Attacker with the ball at 25 yards. Defender just beaten, to their right. Recovery arrow curving to the penalty spot. Shot arrow into the goal.
Coaching points
- First stride is across, not chasing their heels. Cut the line to goal.
- Don’t dive twice. If you’re beat, you’re beat — get in the line.
- If you cannot win the ball, show them wide. A shot from there is a save.
- GK starts the call: ‘recover’ or ‘I have it.’
Phrases to use
- “Across, not after.”
- “Get in the line.”
- “Don’t dive twice.”
- “Show them wide.”
Progressions
- Attacker starts with a 3-yard head start.
- Add a recovering second defender.
- Must recover inside 3 seconds.
Regressions
- Attacker two-touch only.
- Defender starts a yard goal-side.
- No shot until they take four touches.
Common mistakes
They chase the shirt and never get goal-side.
The run is to the penalty spot, not to the player.
A desperate lunge from behind.
If you cannot win it clean, get in the line. A foul there is a card.
They stop after the first beat and watch.
The 1v1 isn’t over until the shot. Recover.