1v1 Four goals

The coach plays the ball out and the two players sprint out to the ball. The players must attempt to win the ball and then dribble through one of the four goals. players can score

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 Four goals — **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 Four goals

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 Four goals

15:00

The coach plays the ball out and the two players sprint out to the ball. The players must attempt to win the ball and then dribble through one of the four goals. players can score extra points for making a dummy run and turn away from a goal. Tempo (can you keep it up) - Technical skills ( first touch, head up, dribbling skills) - Con-centration.

Organisation: Balls: 12; Bibs: y; Cones: Y; Goals: 2; Other: 12 large cones

Coaching points

Look For!

Progressions

Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.

Regressions

Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.

Skill · 15 mins

Drill 2 — develop 1v1 Four goals

15:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 four goals 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 Four goals

17:00

Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 four goals. Minimal stoppages.

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

Coaching points

Find moments for 1v1 four goals.
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
Bibs: y
Cones: Y
Goals: 2
Other: 12 large cones

Four Corners

Technical Apply the technical actions required in 1v1 Four goals.

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 Four goals 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 Four goals without constant coach intervention?
Was ball-rolling time high enough across the session?
What STEP change is needed next time for individuals?

Related drills

8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).

8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game). Set up three teams of 4 in different bibs Two teams attack the goals and play against each other. The third team acts as neutral team and plays for who ever has possession of the ball. Relax when we have the ball. You have a massive overload. Spot the opportunities to play one touch. Progression Teams play 8v4 with defending team needing to win the ball and then being able to attack the team which had possession must then defend. Look to make the pitch as big as possible when in possession. The four defenders need to work together to regain the ball Technique when passing and moving the ball (to feet or space). Take the ball into space away from pressure.

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Drill 49

2 teams: - Keeper in goal - Defenders on half way - Attackers on half way - Attackers start with ball and on coaches say they start to attack. - Can defence get back and delay the attack? - Can midfield get back and defend/recover quickly? - ATT get goals for scoring - DEF get goals for stopping the attack

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1v1

Setup: 2 goals facing each other around 25yds Objective: 1v1 Challenges: X passes to O Immediately press making a 1v1 O tries to score Swap places after 1v1 Coaching points: - Defensive principles – side on, recover quickly, press and cover, good communication - Change of pace, direction, feints. 1v1

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1v1

Setup: 2 goals to score in X plays ball in O tries to score Objective: 1v1 Challenges: X passes to O Immediately press making a 1v1 O tries to score Swap places after 1v1 Coaching points: - Defensive principles – side on, recover quickly, press and cover, good communication - Change of pace, direction, feints. 1v1

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