1v1 to Goal

Setup

• Use a 20 × 15 yard area in front of a goal, with a goalkeeper if you have one.
• Attackers queue at the far end with no ball; defenders queue beside the goal with the balls.

How it works

1. The defender passes the ball to the attacker, then steps out to defend.
2. The attacker dribbles straight at the defender at speed.
3. Fake one way (a body swerve, step-over or drop of the shoulder), then accelerate past the other way.
4. Shoot as soon as you're past. Don't take an extra touch.
5. Players join the opposite line after each rep.

Coaching points

• Attack at speed. A defender backing off is easier to beat than one who's set.
• Sell the fake with your body, not just your feet.
• Shoot early: the chance closes fast once you're through.

Progressions

• Defender can only start once the attacker's first touch is taken.
• Add a recovering second defender who starts behind the attacker.
• Attacker scores double for finishing with the weaker foot.