You’re offline — recently opened plans may still be available.
1v1 in four Squares

1v1 in four Squares

Organisation Split the pitch up into four squares Players play 1v1 inside the squares Players are not allowed to cross the lines. Players can pass the ball into teammates. Object i

1v1

U11-U12 Up the Steps Foundation 60 mins 6–14 players Progressive load 1v1 Defending
Cheat sheet Clone & edit Sign in to favourite
More actions
Practice timer

60:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

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

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up — 1v1 in four Squares

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 in four Squares

15:00

Organisation Split the pitch up into four squares Players play 1v1 inside the squares Players are not allowed to cross the lines. Players can pass the ball into teammates. Object is to score on the goal. Add Neutral players on the outside who can be used as rebound players for both teams. Look for!

Organisation: Balls: 12; Bibs: 2x4; Cones: 30; Goals: 2; Other: Flat cones

Coaching points
  • Tempo - concentration - Attitude towards 1v1.
Progressions
  • Progression
Regressions
  • Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins

Drill 2 — develop 1v1 in four Squares

15:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 in four squares 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 in four Squares

17:00

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

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

Coaching points
  • Find moments for 1v1 in four squares.
  • 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.

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.

Use in creator

Break the line

Setup: Each team has 4 defenders, 2 attackers & a GK Defenders locked in a square Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide) Objective: Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal Challenges: Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity Attackers work as a team to get ball from 4 defenders 1 and 2 touch Progression: Attackers must pass to each other before scoring Progression 2: When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square Progression 3: When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender Break the line

Use in creator

Break the line u10s

Setup: Each team has 3 defenders, 1 attacker & a GK Defenders locked in a square (or 2) Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide) Objective: Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal Challenges: Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity Attackers work hard to get ball from 3 defenders 1 and 2 touch Progression: Attackers must score quickly or pass back Progression 2: When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square Progression 3: When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender Break the line u10s

Use in creator

Passing, Receive, Pass & Move

Warmup: Players in 2s or 3s One passes the ball to the other then “shuttles” to the free cone ready to receive the next one Triangles and squares will have 1 less player than cones to make sure theres a free cone needing to be covered Coaching Points: Focus on the quality of the pass – especially when you get out of breath and gassed. Player not running times the pass to get to them as they return to the middle Passing, Receive, Pass & Move

Use in creator

Related sessions

Library Creator Install