Section 6: Introduction to Soccer Tactics - 1 v 1

This series, Coaching Fundamentals, is designed to introduce volunteer and youth coaches to the basics of coaching soccer. 

Introduction

Thus far we have been looking at how players acquire the mechanical and physical skills to play the game. This is called technical training.

We now move to tactical training, where the player must make decisions about what to do with the ball, sometimes before receiving it. Training must now put players into situations where they make decisions based on what they see. The least complicated environment for doing this is in the 1 v. 1 environment.

Basic Soccer Tactics

When we talk of tactics, we are referring to three categories:

• Individual tactics, in which two players confront each other in a 1 v. 1 duel.
• Group tactics, involving two or more players within a 15-yard radius around the ball.
• Team tactics, which refers to the style of soccer a team plays. Team tactics involves systems of play, high- and low-pressure defending, playing directly and indirectly.

This segment will look at individual tactics (1 v. 1).

Coaching Tactics

As mentioned previously in the section on the Laws of the Game, soccer is a game with limited coaching interference. There are no timeouts and coaches do not send in plays. The players make the decisions on the field, making soccer the ultimate “players game."

One of the chief instructional tasks of the coach is to help players make correct decisions. To do this, the coach needs a basic understanding of soccer tactics. Tactics are important, but they cannot be executed without a mastery of technique.

The most uncomplicated and basic soccer tactic is the 1 versus 1 duel. Players are introduced to tactical training by either attacking an individual opponent or defending against an individual attacker. This simplifies the game into two main moments:

• When the player is in possession.
• When an opponent is in possession.

The primary player in possession of the ball is called the first attacker. The primary player closest to the ball is the first defender. Both players have responsibilities called roles.

Roles of the First Attacker and First Defender

The role of the first attacker is to penetrate the opponents with a dribble, pass or shot. The role of the first defender is to prevent penetration by pressuring the first attacker by either winning the ball or forcing the attacker sideways or backwards.

Soccer is a series of 1 v. 1 duels all over the field. Since the team that wins the majority of these duels is likely to win the game, it is important to practice 1 v. 1 duels on a regular basis.

The First Attacker

Coaches can set up a number of 1 v. 1 duels, including playing to two small goals, dribbling over the line to score goals, playing to one central goal or scoring on multiple goals. Key factors include:

• First attacker turns and faces the defender.
• Attack the defender with the ball. If the defender is in a staggered stance, attack the lead foot.
• Make a fake just outside the defender’s tackling range to beat the defender.
• Accelerate past the defender into space.

The First Defender

The role of the first defender is the exact opposite of the first attacker. The key elements include:

• Close attacker down quickly to prevent penetration. As the defender gets closer to the attacker, adopt a low center of gravity, get sideways on and take small steps.
• The last three or four steps may be angled to force the opponent to the left or right.
• Retreat backwards if the attacker is dribbling at you. Drop step with a shuffle to avoid crossing the legs.
• Tackle if the attacker mis-touches the ball or loses control.

Conclusion

Playing 1 v. 1 on a regular basis sharpens a player’s individual attacking and defending ability. This individual work can be expanded to two or more players on each side while maintaining the same basic tactics and technique. The 1 v. 1 is the simplest form of tactical training, as the player only has one opponent. It's also the most difficult, as the players have no help. If players can become comfortable in 1 v. 1 situations, they are well on their way to becoming vital members of the team.