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1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals

1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals

Field size 25x40 yards (depending on age and how athletic the players are). 2 Teams of 6 players (Team white and Team blue). In turns, 3 players from each team play one on one to 3

1v1

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

60:00

Pitch board

Saved from the session creator

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 — 1 against 1: Game to 3 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

1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals

15:00

Field size 25x40 yards (depending on age and how athletic the players are). 2 Teams of 6 players (Team white and Team blue). In turns, 3 players from each team play one on one to 3 small goals. All 3 pairs play at the same time. Goals can be scored in all of the opponents 3 goals. Change after max. 1 min play. Which team scores more goals? Coaching Offense: Ability to assert oneself. Feints (dummy). Change of rhythm.

Organisation: Balls: 12; Bibs: Y; Cones: Y; Goals: 6

Coaching points
  • Defence: Quick forward attack. Pick up the forwards tempo. Tackling on the ball. Avoid standing frontally to the opponent.
  • Variations
  • Play the first ball high or low. See variation possibilities for 1 against 1.
Progressions
  • Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
  • Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins

Drill 2 — develop 1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals

15:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1 against 1: game to 3 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 1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals

17:00

Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1 against 1: game to 3 goals. Minimal stoppages.

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

Coaching points
  • Find moments for 1 against 1: game to 3 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.

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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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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Drill 207

Game: - Attacking team starts from half way each time balls is out of play - Both teams get chance at attacking Pass must go between the lines (offside trap) 5 points for corners GK/Defenders: Ball to half way goals to score

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