1v1: Dribble Through the End Gate
Two players play 1v1 in a 15 × 10 m pitch and score by dribbling through the opponent's 4 m gate. Short games, many duels.
- Age
- U9–U16
- Players
- 4–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 15 × 10 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Technical: Dribbling, 1v1 attacking, 1v1 defending
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Dribbling past an opponentShielding the ballTackling
- Physical:Change of direction
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
The gate rule rewards beating the defender rather than shooting from distance. In a small pitch the attacker must use feints, changes of direction and shielding, and the defender learns to stay on their feet. Play games of 45 seconds with plenty of rest so every duel is at full intensity.
Objective
Beat the opponent in 1v1 using feints and changes of pace, and defend by staying on your feet.
Organisation
- Pitch of 15 × 10 m with a 4 m gate in the middle of each end line.
- Pairs; spare balls at the side.
How it works
- Score by dribbling through the opponent's gate (stopping the ball on the line also counts for young players).
- After a goal, the conceding player restarts from their gate.
- Games of 45 seconds, 45 seconds rest; change opponent every game.
Coaching points
- Attack the defender's front foot and go past on the other side.
- Protect the ball with your body between it and the defender.
- Defender: side-on, wait for the touch to be too long before tackling.
Progressions
- Add a second gate at each end.
- A 2-second rule: you must attack the gate when you face it.
Regressions
- Wider pitch (12 m).
Variations
- Score in mini-goals instead of gates.
Key principles
- Be brave, be balanced.
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