U11–U13 · Attacking · 16 min
Change Speed, Then Finish
Train U12 attackers to beat a defender with a change of speed, then finish in two touches. The 1v1 ends with a shot, not a tour of the channel.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- 12×20 yard channels, mini-goal at the north of each
- Equipment
- 8 cones · 2 mini-goals · 1 ball per pair
Organization
Pairs. Attacker starts on the south line. Defender starts 6 yards in, side-on. Attacker scores in the mini-goal. Defender scores by winning and dribbling back over the south line. 45 seconds on. Four rounds each way.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
Two vertical channels. Mini-goals north. Attacker south with the ball. Defender 6 yards up, side-on. Dribble arrow past the defender, then a shot into the mini-goal.
Coaching points
- First touch attacks space, not the defender’s feet.
- Change speed after the move, not during it. The extra yard is the sprint.
- Finish early. If you see the goal, shoot. Don’t take a fifth touch.
- If the defender shows a side, take that side and go.
Phrases to use
- “Attack the space, not the player.”
- “Move, then sprint.”
- “See the goal, shoot.”
- “Take the side they give you.”
Progressions
- Defender starts even with the attacker.
- Must finish first time after beating them.
- Add a recovering second defender from 12 yards.
Regressions
- Defender cannot tackle for two seconds.
- Wider channel.
- Passive defender — body only, no steal.
Common mistakes
The attacker stops on the ball and the defender resets.
The move is a ticket to sprint, not a pose. First touch after the feint is north.
They beat the defender and then take a tour.
The 1v1 is over when you’re past them. Head up, finish.
They run into the defender instead of the space.
Look at the space they left, not their shirt.