This practice is easy to setup and can challenge players in multiple different ways. This practice can take place with two players or as many as 10 players depending on the space and coach requirements. The session starts in a very simple manner, the coach passes the ball through between the attacker and defender (Yellow attacker, Red Defender), this then becomes a 1v1 in a very dangerous position on the pitch, the red is challenged to defend on the edge of the box with the ball moving at pace. Each position will provide a slightly different challenge for the defender. The central positions will be the most difficult, whilst the setup on the right hand side might be almost impossible with the attacker starting on the inside. 

POSITIONING

Every defending position within this practice will provide a different challenge to players. The most important factor throughout will be the defenders positioning, for example what position can they get into between the attacker and the goal. This through the practice should be the areas we focus on as coaches, the outcome is not always controllable when defending in 1v1 moments, but we can control our positioning and our technique.
In the wide areas can we ensure that the defender looks to push the attacker away from goal getting into a position that forces the attacker to shoot from a less favorable angle. This shows that even in a 1v1 that we can not win, we can for sure have an influence in controlling the outcome and limiting the opponents opportunity. In the central areas the challenge will be much harder and the defender will often get in a poor position to win the ball, can we encourage our defenders to force the opponent one way and then look to make contact and stay tight to the attacker. At least when close making contact, there is an opportunity to block the shot on goal. 

Understand the importance of blocking, and how to keep the attacker from finding the target with effective blocking. 

The perfect session for centre-backs to practice their timing when tackling and their defending when running towards their own goal.