Chase-Down 1v1 to Goal
The attacker dribbles toward goal with a 2-yard head start while the defender chases to recover position and stop the shot. Students practice dribbling at speed, finishing against a goalkeeper, and the defensive recovery run.
How to play
- Set up two stations, each with a goal and goalkeeper. At each one, two lines 25 yards from goal: attackers with a ball next to a cone and defenders 2 yards behind them.
- On the signal both go: the attacker dribbles and must shoot within 8 seconds, and the defender sprints to get between the ball and the goal.
- If the defender recovers position, play a live 1v1 until a goal, a save, a steal, or time runs out.
- Scoring: a goal is 2 points for the attacker; a steal or ball out of bounds is 1 point for the defender. Then players switch lines.
- Play four 3-minute rounds with 1 minute of rest, changing goalkeepers each round. Wrap up for 2 minutes: Which path should the defender run?
Rules
- The defender may not tackle from behind or slide: recover position first, then defend from the front.
- The next pair goes only when the previous one is done and the goalkeeper is ready.
- Collect balls around the outside of the field, never by crossing in front of the goal.
Variations
Easier
The defender starts 4 yards back and the attacker has 10 seconds.
Standard
A 2-yard head start, 8 seconds to shoot, and a live 1v1 if the defender recovers.
Harder
Both start lying face down, and the attacker must shoot from outside the goal box.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays goalkeeper or gives the start signal and keeps time.
- Hearing impairment: start each pair by dropping a pinnie instead of blowing the whistle.
- Lower fitness: the student goes every other turn and gets a bigger head start as the attacker.
Learning goals
- Dribble at top speed while keeping control of the ball.
- Recover defensive position by running on the goal side.
- Finish accurately against a goalkeeper with little time.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 10
- goals: 2
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Many defenders run straight at the ball and end up fouling from behind, so teach them to run toward the near post and then turn. Make sure the class does a good sprint warm-up first.
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