2 v 1 Situations 

When presented with a 2 v 1 situation when attacking it is important to make these situations count, make sure young players are aware of the options available to them when in possession and the movements they should make off the ball. The tempo should be quick as these situations wont last long and players should be encouraged to get towards goal early and look for rebounds.

Warm Up

Set up and instruction: 2 V 1 to goal. The centre player starts with the ball and plays a pass to a side player of his/her choice. The player who does not receive a pass is now the defender and must react quickly to stop the 2 attackers scoring. Play 2 v 1 to goal until a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play. The defender becomes the centre player next time.

Coaching points:

• Support the player on the ball
• Ask for the ball to feet or look for runs in behind the defender and closer to goal 
• Look for rebounds
• Communication - if you are in a good position shout for the ball
• Pass and move

Progressions:

Limit the number of touches to encourage quick play.

Main Drill

Set up and Instruction: 

2 v 1 Overlap

The attacker who starts with the ball passes to his/her team mate and overlaps quickly to support. Once the central attacker passes the ball to start the drill the defender instantly rushes out to defend the 2 v 1 situation.

If the attackers score, the defender must defend again next time.

Coaching points:

• Attackers - what choices do you have in possession? Use the overlapping player as a diversion and dribble or pass and move with the supporting player
• Overlapping player - overlap quickly to support and stay wide. Call for the ball if you are in a good position to receive the ball or run onto it. 
• Defender - get out quickly to force the offside, shut down the man on the ball showing him away from the goal and his team mate.
• Communication between the 2 attackers and communication between the defender and goalkeeper 

Conditioned Game

Set up and Instruction: 

2 v 1 Continuous game 

2 teams of 4 players with 2 full time goalkeepers. Each team defends one goal. A player from each team starts on the pitch.

The red team starts with 1 player dribbling onto the pitch to create 2 v 1 to goal. Once a goal is scored or the ball leaves play, the player responsible for the goal/ball leaving play must leave the field (red player collecting the ball and joining the line again) and a blue player will dribble on and create a 2 v 1 in their favor.

@DavidBairdSC