ONE-ON-ONE DEFENSIVE DRILLS FOR SOCCER BEGINNERS

One-on-One Defensive Drills for Soccer Beginners

One-on-One Defensive Drills for Soccer Beginners

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One-on-one defensive drills for soccer beginners is one of the most essential skills a soccer player can develop, especially for beginners who are learning the fundamentals of the game. Strong defensive skills allow players to stop their opponents, regain possession, and contribute to their team’s overall strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore several one-on-one defensive drills that soccer beginners can practice to build their defensive abilities. These drills will help players develop skills such as positioning, tackling, and anticipating the attacker’s next move.

Why One-on-One Defending Is Important




In soccer, defenders are often tasked with stopping an attacking player one-on-one. Whether it’s halting a winger on the break or standing up to a striker in the box, the ability to effectively engage an opponent without getting beaten is crucial.

One-on-one defending requires:

  • Patience: Not diving into tackles too early.

  • Positioning: Maintaining the right distance from the attacker to prevent them from dribbling past.

  • Timing: Knowing when to make a tackle or block a shot.

  • Composure: Staying calm and composed under pressure.


By practicing defensive drills, players can hone these skills and gain confidence in one-on-one situations.

Key One-on-One Defensive Drills for Beginners


Here are some foundational One-on-one defensive drills for soccer beginners that can be incorporated into their training sessions to build their defensive skills.

1. JOCKEYING DRILL


The jockeying drill is essential for teaching defenders how to shepherd an attacker away from danger without diving in for a tackle. Jockeying involves staying on your feet and positioning your body between the attacker and the goal.

Setup:



  • Pair up with a partner who will act as the attacker.

  • Set up a small grid, approximately 10 x 10 meters.

  • The attacker starts with the ball and attempts to dribble past the defender to get to the other side of the grid.


How it works:



  • The defender’s goal is not to tackle right away but to jockey or “shadow” the attacker.

  • Maintain a low, balanced stance with knees bent and body slightly sideways, keeping the ball and attacker in front of you.

  • The defender should aim to slow the attacker down and steer them toward the sideline or out of bounds.


Focus points:



  • Stay balanced and don’t overcommit.

  • Keep a low stance to react quickly.

  • Don’t dive in for the tackle unless you are sure you can win the ball cleanly.


2. TACKLING ZONE DRILL


This drill helps players practice both jockeying and well-timed tackles. It emphasizes staying patient before going in for the tackle at the right moment.

Setup:



  • Create a 10 x 20-meter zone using cones.

  • The attacker starts at one end, while the defender begins at the opposite end.

  • The attacker tries to dribble the ball to the defender’s side, while the defender works to tackle or intercept the ball.


How it works:



  • The defender starts by jockeying the attacker, preventing them from making progress.

  • When the attacker makes a mistake or shows too much of the ball, the defender should time their tackle perfectly to win possession.

  • If the attacker gets past the defender, the round ends, and the players switch roles.


Focus points:



  • Practice patience and wait for the attacker to make a mistake.

  • Use the inside of the foot for well-timed tackles.

  • Ensure body positioning is right before attempting a tackle—don’t go in too early.


3. SHADOWING AND CLOSING DOWN DRILL


This drill teaches defenders how to close down attackers and prevent them from getting a shot off or delivering a cross.

Setup:



  • Set up two cones, 20 meters apart, and place a ball 5 meters away from the end cone (goal line).

  • The attacker starts in possession of the ball near the goal line, while the defender stands between the two cones.


How it works:



  • The attacker tries to dribble and take a shot on goal or cross the ball past the cones.

  • The defender must shadow the attacker and close them down, preventing them from taking a clean shot or cross.

  • The defender must maintain a low stance and stay close enough to challenge the attacker without being beaten easily.


Focus points:



  • Be quick and aggressive when closing down space.

  • Avoid diving in and instead focus on forcing the attacker into difficult angles.

  • Stay balanced and ready to block any attempted shots or crosses.


4. 1V1 SPEED AND REACTION DRILL


This drill enhances a defender’s ability to react quickly to an attacking player’s movements, emphasizing speed and reaction time in one-on-one situations.

Setup:



  • Set up a small rectangular field, about 15 x 10 meters, with goals on either side.

  • The defender stands in front of one goal, and the attacker starts with the ball in front of the opposite goal.


How it works:



  • The attacker tries to dribble past the defender and score.

  • The defender must react quickly, jockey the attacker, and attempt to block the shot or steal the ball.

  • After each round, switch roles between the defender and the attacker.


Focus points:



  • Maintain focus and react quickly to the attacker’s movements.

  • Stay light on your feet to change direction quickly.

  • Anticipate the attacker’s next move, whether it’s a dribble, pass, or shot.


Conclusion

Mastering one-on-one defensive drills for soccer beginners players, especially beginners looking to develop a solid defensive foundation. By incorporating drills like jockeying, tackling, and closing down, defenders can improve their positioning, timing, and reaction skills.

These one-on-one defensive drills help players learn to read the game, maintain composure, and become more effective in challenging attacking opponents. Consistent practice will allow players to develop confidence in their defensive abilities, making them valuable assets on the field.

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