2v1 Attack Waves to Mini Goals

Two attackers take on one defender and try to score on a small goal in under 10 seconds. Students learn to use a numbers advantage: draw the defender, pass at the right moment, and get open for a return pass.

How to play

1. Set up 3 lanes of 25 x 12 yards with a small goal at the end; in each lane, two lines of attackers at the start and a line of defenders in pinnies at midfield.
2. On the signal, the pair starts with one ball and the defender steps up to stop them; they have 10 seconds to score.
3. Key idea: the dribbler attacks the defender and, once the defender commits, passes to the open teammate.
4. A goal in time earns the pair 2 points. A steal, ball out of bounds, or time running out earns the defender 1 point.
5. Rotation: the dribbler goes to defense, the defender joins the attack line, and the other attacker goes again with the next player.
6. Play 3 rounds of 4 minutes; in the last one, a second defender joins 3 seconds after the start.

Rules

• The next wave starts only after the previous one is over and the lane is clear.
• Defenders tackle from the front or side, never sliding.
• Attackers must make at least one pass before scoring.
• Shots are taken only inside the last 8 yards, marked with cones.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student attacks with a larger foam ball and the defender may only intercept passes, not take the ball.
• Autism or shyness: rehearse the play without a defender with the same partner first, and show the rotation with a drawing on the ground.
• Skill level: pair students of similar ability and let stronger players defend more often.

Learning goals

• Decide when to pass and when to dribble against a defender.
• Move off the ball to create a passing lane.
• Defend when outnumbered by slowing the attack down.

Equipment for a class of 25

• small goals: 3
• soccer balls: 9
• cones: 18
• pinnies: 8

Teacher tip

Many attackers pass too early, before the defender commits; demonstrate it in slow motion. Control the starts yourself so two waves never overlap.

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