1-on-1 Defensive Diamond

EXPLANATION:

• Defender (O) passes ball to X1 to initiate play.
• X1 dribbles the ball, staying inside the diamond grid, attempting to cross over the double-line with possession of the ball. (The goal is just there as a guide to give a target).
• O attempts to dispossess X1, gain control of the ball and make a release pass to X2.
• Mirror the drill on the opposite side.

COACHING POINTS:

• Speed, Angle, Distance. All three of these elements are connected in 1-on-1 defence.
• SPEED: Defender must pick up the attacker’s speed and move with him to prevent the ball being played past him directly.
• ANGLE: The reason for using a diamond shape with a target line is because in the game, the defender usually has an angle to try and protect, either on the left or right side.
• DISTANCE: O should pressure X1 as high as possible, and get within the correct engaging distance to apply pressure without getting eliminated.

EVALUATION:

• Defenders should have more success than attackers in 1-on-1 drills. To challenge defenders further, change the angle of the initial pass (O’s starting position) to force him to think about the angle/arc of his approach to the attacker.
• Effectiveness of jab tackle and block tackle can be evaluated and discussed with athletes in this setting. Watch for effectiveness of jab tackle in a mobile situation (at speed) and block tackle in a more static, controlled situation.

PROGRESSION:

• Same for all stages