Divide the team into pairs and have one player from each pair place his or her ball several yards away. This ball will be the goal. This can be done freely around the field without any boundaries.
Step2
Progress to one-on-one in a grid and create 20-foot-by-10-foot grids.
Step3
Have the two players play one-on-one, with each player defending an end line. The player with the ball is the attacker, and the player without the ball is the defender. When possession changes, the roles change, and the defender now becomes the attacker.
Step4
Teach the defender to pressure the receiver.
Step5
Award a point to the player who manages to dribble over the opponent's end line.
Step6
Increase the size of the grid to 20 feet by 15 feet or 20 feet by 20 feet and the game to two-on-two or even three or four on a side.
Step7
Explain first and second defender tactics in larger games.
Step8
Make increases according to age or skill level.
Step9
Keep the games short, as they are very tiring.
Tips & Warnings
Discuss the angle of approach and the distance from the attacker.
Advise the defender to make play predictable by forcing the attacker into a desired area and to push the attacker into the small space, onto the weak foot, onto the defender's strong foot, or to an area where another defender can support.
Soccer is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
