Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: 2 v 1

2 v 1 DRILLS
View All

2 V 1

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals. 2 from one side and 1 from the other enter. The 2 must beat the defender and score

Conditioned games

2 v 1 overlap switch

Two attacking players against one defender. The player who starts with the ball passes the ball square to the other player. This player runs towards the defender (isolating the defender) allowing the other player to loop round and overlap them to receive the ball in the space created. After receiving the pass this player should then have a shot at goal.

Shooting

Strikers Space

Play 3 v 2 in the larger area and play 1 v 1 with a goalkeeper in the smaller(attacking) area. Red player 1 starts with the ball. The 3 red players in the larger area combine to pass the ball into the attacking area. The player who passes the ball into the area follows the ball into the attacking zone to make a 2 v 1 situation. Finish with a shot on goal. Rotate positions.Progression: Play 6 v 5 in an open 30 x 50 yard field.

Shooting

Two Balls: 2 v 1 Grid Game 2

Set up a 5x5 metre grid with three players and two balls. The defending player starts in the middle of the grid, facing the two attackers. When everyone is ready the two attackers both set off and try to run out any side of the grid without being tackled by the defender.

Conditioned games

Two Balls: 2 v 1 Grid Game 2 C...

Set up a 5x5 metre grid with three players and two balls. The defending player starts in the middle of the grid, facing the two attackers. When everyone is ready the two attackers both set off and try to run out any side of the grid without being tackled by the defender.

General

2v1 Functional Play Passing an...

Player 1 starts with the ball. The ball is played in with pace to the feet of player 2. As the ball is played in player 2 moves to the ball, and with their first touch aim to bring the ball inside and round the defender. The same can be done on the outside towards the touch line.

General

2 v 1 overlap switch Shooting ...

Two attacking players against one defender. The player who starts with the ball passes the ball square to the other player. This player runs towards the defender (isolating the defender) allowing the other player to loop round and overlap them to receive the ball in the space created. After receiving the pass this player should then have a shot at goal.

General

2 V 1 Conditioned games - Foot...

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals.2 from one side and 1 from the other enter.The 2 must beat the defender and score

General

3 vs 2 - Two channels 1 v 1 sk...

2 players in one channel attack 1 defender whilst another attacker and defender wait in the other channel. The 2 attackers in the first channel play a 2 vs 1, trying to score a goal. However the 2nd defender can choose to come across and help defend making it a 2 vs 2 . Having drawn both defenders across into one channel the 2 attackers may choose to use the other channel and exploit the open space or continue to attack without using the unmarked player.

General

Two balls: 2v1 grid game Condi...

Set up a 5x5 metre grid with three players and two balls. The defending player starts in the middle of the grid, facing the two attackers. When everyone is ready the two attackers both set off and try to run out the opposite side of the grid without being tackled by the defender.

General

Receiving the pass - 2v1 Shoot...

Player 1 comes short to receive the ball from player 2; player 1 dummies and spins out left. Player 3 comes to take ball and passes back across for player 1 to shoot. Player 3 then goes to far post for rebounds.

General

2v1 To A Goal Passing and Rece...

Set up as shown with two attackers and one defender, with the defender positioned closest to the goal. Attackers must look to pass the ball quickly  before dribbling it into the goal.

General

Bedknobs and Broomsticks 1 v 1...

Position players in 2 lines on each side of the area as shown in the diagram. Number each player from 1-6. This game is a throw back to the Disney classic, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The coach calls out a number between 1 and 6. The numbered player from each team must run around the outside of the field and through the goal at the top or bottom of the diagram onto the field of play. The coach serves a ball into the middle of the area. Players must compete to win the ball and attempt to dribble or shoot the ball through the goal at the opposite end of the area from which they entered.

General

1v1 to Goal 1 v 1 skills - Foo...

Organise the players into groups of 3, with 1 goalkeeper and 2 outfield players. Player 1 and player 2 stand or sit facing away from goal. The goalkeeper then throws the ball out and player 1 and player 2 play the ball back to the goal, passing between them before shooting.

General

1v1 1 v 1 skills - Football Dr...

The feeder starts with the ball. They play the ball with a push pass forward. As the ball is played players 1 and 2 sprint to the ball. The first player to touch the ball becomes the attacker while the other player becomes the defender.

General

1 V 1 - 3 Goal Game Defending ...

Two players line up on opposite sides of a square. The attacking player dribbles the ball towards the centre before then attempting to stop the ball between one of the goals. The goal nearest to the defender's starting point is worth 10 points as it is the hardest goal to stop the ball in. The middle goal is worth 5 and the top goal only 1 point.

General

1 v 1 up and down 1 v 1 skills...

The drills starts with one player from group 1 (reds) running with a ball to the opposing goal, trying to score.<br /><br /> As soon as they have a shot at goal, a player from group 2 (yellows) runs with a ball to the other goal to try and score. The player that had the first shot has to try and defend against the player from group 2.<br /><br /> When this player scores or loses the ball to the defender, the next player starts from group 1 and the player that had the shot becomes the new defender. The player that had the first shot and then defended, goes to the back of there queue. (Players should always finish up in the same queue and attack the same goal).

General

Simple 2v1 Possession Possessi...

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).<br>Coaching Points:- <br>Use of dummies<br>Pass with all parts of both feet

General

Ring the Doorbell 1 v 1 skills...

Both players face each other on either side of a line drawn between 2 cones (10 metres apart). Both players must stay on their own side of the imaginary line. Player 1 starts with the ball and to score a goal he/she must stop the ball against one of the two cones. If the ball crosses the line or player 2 puts a foot on the line next to the cone before player 1 touches the ball against it, then possession changes to player 2. Play for 1 minute then change.

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

General

1 Vs 1 - Four cone game 1 v 1 ...

Players start on cones on the opposite side of the grid. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes it to player 2. As soon as player 2 touches the ball, player 1 can try to win the ball. Player 2 must try and dribble to any of the 3 spare cones in the grid. Player 2 scores one point for beating their opponent to either of the cones on the side and two points if he dribbles the ball around player 1 to the cone at the top of the area. Repeat the practice with player 1 in possession.

General

1 v 1 Attacking Shooting - Foo...

There are 4 groups, 2 attacking and 2 defendingThe diagnal groups work against each otherThe attacker can only score whilst they're in the penalty area<br>

General

Football: 1 v 1 Passing Grid w...

Set up 6 3x3m gris in the centre with 2 goals at either side.Split the group into groups of 6 and place a attacker and a defender in each gridThe attackers must retain the ball through passing until there is an oppurtunity to play a through ball. One attacker runs on to this and attempts to score. Through out each player must stay in their grid and only one attacker can run onto the through ball

General

6 v 2 RWTB Dribbling - Footbal...

Objective: Application of running with the ball in a small sided game format.Detail:Use a box - box area on a pitch or set up 50 x 70 (older players).Split up the players into 6 v 2 in 2 end zones.Players in group 1 run with the ball to group 2 across the central zone.2 defenders enter the zones once the ball and players have arrived.

General

Strikers Space Shooting - Foot...

Play 3 v 2 in the larger area and play 1 v 1 with a goalkeeper in the smaller(attacking) area. Red player 1 starts with the ball. The 3 red players in the larger area combine to pass the ball into the attacking area. The player who passes the ball into the area follows the ball into the attacking zone to make a 2 v 1 situation. Finish with a shot on goal. Rotate positions.<br />Progression: Play 6 v 5 in an open 30 x 50 yard field.

General

2 strikers, 3 shots Shooting -...

Have a mannequin on the edge of the penalty circle, and another in line with it out, out at the left hand corner of the penalty box.Players positioned on cones 1, 2 and 3 as shown in the diagram, each with a ball.Player 1 dribbles a ball to the mannequin in front of them, feints one way then moves the ball the other way to shoot. The Player then runs back towards the next mannequin and receives the ball from Player 2. Player 2 runs up to the right of the mannequin and Player 1 lays the ball off to them to take a shot.Both players then run in to receive a cross from Player 3, on the outside right. (Player 1 takes front post, Player 2 back)

General

Defending the Midfield Defendi...

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

General

Defending 2 On 1 Defending - F...

Player 1 has a ball; the other three balls are placed on discs on the end line. Player 1 passes the ball to player 3, who must advance the ball to the opposite end line without being dispossessed of it by 1 or 2. Player 1 moves in to assume the correct defending position, forcing 3 in the direction of 2 by blocking the right side of the attacker. Players 1 and 2 combine to win the ball. If the defenders win the ball, have them attempt to knock a ball off a cone. Both defenders start on the same side of the area.

General

Ball Shield - whole body 1 v 1...

Set up as shown with 2 players and 1 ball between the two.The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of ball shielding you want to achieve.Play begins with the external player making a firm pass into the middle player. The external player closes down his pass and aims to win the ball back.The player in the middle aims to keep the ball, shielding it away from the defender for 10 seconds and then acclerates out of the diamond.

General

3 v 3 v 3 Conditioned games - ...

Station 6 players in 2 teams of 3 in 1/3 of the area and 3 players in 1 team in the other 1/3. The ball starts in the area at the top of the diagram. The 3 players in possession must attempt to advance the ball into the middle area. The team advancing the ball into this area then carries the ball into the opposing 1/3. Now they must attempt to advance the ball to the end line at the bottom of the diagram beyond the 3 players in the bottom 1/3. Defensive players must attempt to prevent the team in possession from getting the ball to either the middle area or the end line. Play continues from end to end with the winner being the first team to get to 5 points/goals. Develop so that 3 defenders become 2 defenders plus a goalkeeper. Now you have 3 attackers trying to beat 2 defenders and score past the goalkeeper.

General

3 v 1 long pass Passing and Re...

6 players work in an area approximately 30 meters wide, divided in two with a third boxed area at one end. Red team play a 3 v 1 inside the first area but need to look for early deep ball to blue (3) in smaller coned area. The Blue team has also got a player (2) in the centre zone this player can not enter the area where the reds are keeping possession.

General

Power Shot 1 Shooting - Footba...

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 1 in each large area, plus a goalkeeper.The 3 blue players combine to dribble the ball past the lone white defender into the midfield area then shoot on the goal. The lone blue player in the other area follows up on rebounds from the goalkeeper. Repeat in the opposite direction. Rotate positions.Progressions:<br>1. The lone defender can track the attacking player into the midfield area in an attempt to pressure the attacker or block the shot.<br>2. Change the ratio of attackers to defenders to 3 v 2.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
2 v 1 DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
1 v 1 skills Drills
1 v 1 skills Drills
2 v 1 ANSWERS
View All

how can I progress this session?

Cedric Pisani Coach, Malta

Coaching the defences at attack from flanks?

Any suggestions for coaching the defences at attack from flanks?

Away Ng Coach, Hong Kong

What does your average training session..?

What does your average training session look like.. in terms of time spent 1) warming up/fitness 2) drills to aid technique or hands-on coaching for specific areas you want to improve and 3) SSGs? I read somewhere to spend roughly equal amounts of time on each..

Coach, England

How can i teach the team not to herd the ball

I am a coach with a U12 girls team, we are having difficulty keeping them in their zones...they all rush to where the ball is and the other team passes into the open area and then socre.

Archived User Coach

Pre-match warm up to prevent a slow starts to matches?

My Under 9 team keeps starting games slowly. Normally by half time they are just getting switched on and playing like they can. What's a good pre-match warm up to get them switched on and ready to go right from kick off?

Paul Cope Coach, England

Drills for holding up a ball to allow attacking phase to progress

does anyone have any drills for players holding up possession to either bring other players into the game or run the clock down?

Cooper Cooper Coach, England

panicking when a opposition have the ball near the box

help I need to know some drills that I can do with my U10 on how to stay calm when defending

sean brooks Coach, United Kingdom

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
barcafirst touchwarm upcrossingpassingfitnessheadingoverlapgoalkeepersoccer3rd man runsession planswarm upscornersshootingdefendingdribblingpre seasonpossessioncreating space

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create professional soccer coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested soccer plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of soccer coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT