1v1 channels

U8–U9 Dribbling and 1v1 Defensive organisation

Pairs duel in parallel 10×15 m channels: the defender serves and closes down, the attacker scores by stopping the ball on the far line.

1v1 channels: in each 10×15 m channel the defender (red) passes to the attacker and closes down. The attacker scores by stopping the ball on the defender's line. Three channels run at once, so every pair plays without waiting.

Rules

Defender passes to the attacker, then closes down
Attacker scores by stopping the ball with the sole on the defender's line
A defender who wins the ball can score on the attacker's line
Duels last up to 10 s; five as attacker then swap; change opponents each rotation
No more than two players waiting per channel

To make it easier

Defender must touch a cone 3 m behind before closing down

To make it harder

Narrow the channel to 8 m
Attacker must dribble through one of two 2 m gates instead of anywhere on the line

Coaching points

Approach fast, slow down just before the defender
Put the shoulder between defender and ball
Take a bigger touch into space after beating the defender

Common mistakes

Running straight into the defender without changing speed
Too many touches while the defender is still far away

From the session “Football Drills for 7 Year Olds: U8–U9 Dribbling and 1v1 Session”

Read the full session →