2v1 With a Recovering Defender
Two attackers attack a defender and a goalkeeper while a second defender sprints back from behind. The attack must finish before it becomes 2v2.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 30 × 20 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Attacking transition, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shooting
- Tactical:Numerical superiorityRecovery runsCounter-attack
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
A counter-attack wave. The 2v1 is only an advantage for a few seconds: a recovering defender starts behind the attackers and joins as soon as the coach's pass is played. Attackers learn to attack quickly and directly; defenders learn to delay and recover goal-side.
Objective
Finish a 2v1 quickly before a recovering defender turns it into 2v2.
Organisation
- Area of 30 × 20 m in front of a goal with a goalkeeper.
- One defender starts 12 m from goal. Two attackers start 24 m from goal.
- A recovering defender waits on the start line, 5 m behind the attackers.
How it works
- The coach passes to one attacker; the recovering defender may start when the ball is touched.
- Attackers have 10 seconds to score.
- If a defender wins the ball, the defenders score by dribbling over the start line.
- Rotate: attackers → recovering defender → central defender → queue.
Coaching points
- Attack at speed: carry the ball forward with your first touch.
- The carrier commits the central defender; the partner stays wide enough to receive.
- Recovering defender: sprint towards the goal, not towards the ball, then press from the inside.
- Central defender: delay and do not dive in until help arrives.
Progressions
- Reduce the time limit to 7 seconds.
- Start the recovering defender level with the attackers.
Regressions
- Start the recovering defender 10 m behind.
Variations
- Play 3v2 with a recovering defender.
Key principles
- Speed of decision beats numbers.
- Defenders delay, then double up.
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