1v1 Ball Transition

Halfway line marked. The Game Player B starts with the ball and attempts to dribble past player A. Player B has to try and dribble through the goal to score. If player A intercepts

1v1

U11-U12 Up the Steps Foundation 60 mins 6–14 players Progressive load 1v1 Defending

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Pitchside present Player view Delivery sheet

Practice timer

60:00

Pitch layout diagram for 1v1 Ball Transition — **Pitch layout**
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

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How to use this session

Set the learning intention before players arrive.
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up — 1v1 Ball Transition

8:00

Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.

Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.

Coaching points

Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.

Progressions

Add directional constraints.

Regressions

Reduce pressure / enlarge space.

Technical · 15 mins

1v1 Ball Transition

15:00

halfway line marked. The Game Player B starts with the ball and attempts to dribble past player A. Player B has to try and dribble through the goal to score. If player A intercepts the ball he then attacks the goal at the opposite end. Once player A has passed the halfway line Player X can attempt to win the ball.

Organisation: Balls: 12; Cones: Y; Other: 4 large

Coaching points

If Player B does score he then turns and attacks the far goal protected by player X. Think About
When in possession try not to turn your back on the defender?
Try to encourage the defender away from the goal, this leaves space to attack?
Defenders try not to rush in be relaxed wait for the right moment to make your tackle?

Progressions

Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.

Regressions

Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.

Skill · 15 mins

Drill 2 — develop 1v1 Ball Transition

15:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 ball transition under pressure. Rotate roles often.

Organisation: SSG pitch with clear scoring / constraints linked to the theme.

Coaching points

Reward the theme with the scoring system.
Protect transition moments both ways.
Use guided discovery questions in natural stoppages.

Progressions

Shrink space / add a live defender.

Regressions

Unopposed patterns first.

Game · 17 mins

Drill 3 — game for 1v1 Ball Transition

17:00

Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 ball transition. Minimal stoppages.

Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.

Coaching points

Find moments for 1v1 ball transition.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.

Progressions

Remove the condition when the theme is secure.

Regressions

Neutral helper / overload.

Plenary · 5 mins

Review & cool down

5:00

Players share one learning from the session against the intention.

Organisation: Circle with the ball.

Coaching points

Listen to teammates.
Name one success.

Organisation

Area: Mark area to suit numbers and theme; keep transitions tight.

Setup: Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow, then adapt with STEP.

Equipment checklist

Balls: 12
Cones: Y
Other: 4 large

Four Corners

Technical Apply the technical actions required in 1v1 Ball Transition.

Physical Work at game intensity with quality recovery between reps.

Psychological Scan, decide early, and stay connected to the next action.

Social Communicate clearly and support teammates through the practice.

STEP adaptations

Space: Shrink to increase pressure; enlarge to invite success and scanning.
Task: Condition the game so 1v1 Ball Transition is the clearest route to success.
Equipment: Adjust ball supply, target goals and mannequins to support picture.
People: Use overloads/underloads and floaters to manage challenge.

Reflect

Did players recognise 1v1 Ball Transition without constant coach intervention?
Was ball-rolling time high enough across the session?
What STEP change is needed next time for individuals?

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