Purpose: To receive repetititons of 1v1 defending with an ability to read the serve into the attacker and the opportunity to win the ball before the attacker receives it.

Procedure: In a small grid (about 10 by 15 yards), players play 1v1, scoring when one player dribbles across the end line of the grid. Place a server for each player on either his or her defensive or attacking end. When a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, a new ball is played in by the server of the attacking player. For balls that go out of bounds, the player who last touched the ball becomes the defender, and the other player's server plays a ball in to restart play. Play for one minute before players switch roles. If the server os on the defensive end, the attacker receives the ball with his or her back to the end line being attacked, an defenders get opportunities to defend players with their back to the goal. If servers are at the attacking end, they'll be serving to a player who is facing their end, and the defender will be required to defend an attacker who is facing them with the ball. 

Coaching Points: The 1v1 defensive points are the same as in the previous drill. Watch for how well defenders can read the pass and intercept the ball. Remind players that the best defense is not allowing the player to receive that ball. Also, remind players that when defending an attacker with his or back to the goal, the defending positioning must be slightly tighter and that the objective is to keep the attacker from turning and facing the goal.

For drill animation, CLICK HERE.