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1V1 Attacking Player Workbook

SoccerHomework Director: Kyle O’Keefe

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HOW TO WIN 1v1 ATTACKING

1. Table of Contents…………………………………..2 2. What is 1v1 Attacking?..……….………………….3 3. Fundamentals of 1v1 Attacking…………………..7 4. Tips, Tricks, and Moves …………………………12 5. Cheat Sheet 1v1 Attacking………………………14 6. Player Worksheet……….………………………..15

Copyright 2017 by AIE Sports LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the SoccerHomework.com guide to 1v1 Attacking. In this workbook we will look at

ways to improve your understanding and success of one-on-one attacking.

What is 1v1 Attacking? One versus one attacking is the fun within the game, it is the glory of

success or the pain of defeat. It is you beating your defender or getting tackled. This is the situation on the field where you get the ball and will dribble at an opposing player to beat them.

Why would you dribble at a player? Dribbling at a defender is very specific and requires proper decision making. The objective of the game is

not to just get the ball and dribble at the first defender you see. The game has specific strategy of when, where and how to go at and beat an

opposing player. These tactics and techniques will differ with each coach, but will have many underlying principles that are the same. Always check with your coach so as

to make sure you are playing within the frameworks of your team.

So why dribble at a player? The easy and most obvious answer is to beat them and go to goal of course! Sounds easy enough right? Wrong, not unless you're Lionel Messi. Beating a

defender on the dribble can be very difficult and presents some potentially unnecessary risks. Where and when to go at other players are extremely important factors of the decision making

process. These factors allow us to properly evaluate the risk and see if we should take our chance. It is important to note that although we strive to win all our 1v1 battles, it is unlikely that

we will. There are times when we will get tackled and lose the ball. This is the risk that we must be aware of so as to not hurt our team by giving up easy counter attack situations.

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WHAT IS 1V1 ATTACKING?

Where to Attack the 1v1? Where to dribble can be dictated by a balance between Risk vs.

Reward. If you are in the attacking third of the field there is good reward there if you can beat your player. Similarly there is low risk if you lose the ball because you are a good ways from

your own goal. However if you are in front of your own goal, there is high risk and little reward for dribbling. Now that is not to say that you won’t need to dribble out to break pressure. Risk

vs Reward defines for you to not dribble 1v1 in the defensive third of the field.

We can use the same scenario for Reward. If you are in front of the other team’s goal and beat your player then you might be able to score and have a high reward. Wide spaces in the

attacking third of the field can also offer great rewards by beating your player and then getting off a cross or continuing to goal. There is no real reward in front of your own goal to specifically

dribble at a player. Again, please note this is different than needing to dribble out to break pressure.

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HIGH RISK

MEDIUM RISK

LOW RISK

NO RISK

GO FOR IT!

DEFENDING ATTACKING

RISK CHART 1V1 ATTACKING

When to attack 1v1? As noted earlier you will not want to attack 1v1 in the back. So when do you want go at the other team’s player and try to beat them? There will be a couple times when

you really want to attack the 1v1. One good time to go at a defender is when their defense is in a numbers even situation. By going at the defender and beating them you will create a numbers

up situation which gives you an advantage in the attack. This is also true in a numbers up situation that already exists. It becomes incredible difficult for defenders to make quick

decisions if they are in numbers down situations and immediately attacking the 1v1 exasperates that decision for the defender.

Other valuable times to attack the 1v1 is when you have a chance to break through the defense

and go to goal. This is common when playing against a back four that finds themselves flat. Beat one player and typically you will be in. Same applies to teams running the offsides trap.

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NO REWARD

LOW REWARD

MEDIUM REWARD

HIGH REWARD

GO FOR IT!

DEFENDING ATTACKING

REWARD CHART 1V1 ATTACKING

Lastly, one of the best times to attack the 1v1 and take the risk is when your defender has NO

COVER. “Cover” will be explained in detail in the 2v2 Defending Player Workbook.

Summary:

The why, where, and when give us good background and guidance to make the best of going at

a player 1v1. Hopefully it gives us some key items to look for and to avoid. The objective is to make good decisions on our 1v1 challenges so that we are increasing our odds of success.

Consistently losing the ball in 1v1 battles is not productive for the team. You should balance 1v1 Attacking and simple protection of the ball in 1v1 with escape and possession.

Weight the Risk vs. Reward and be smart. Know when the opportunity is there to beat your

player and go at them. Remember that you will not always beat your players so if you lose the ball, immediately work hard to win it back. This knowledge should also help you keep your good

attitude in the attack.

Where to 1v1 Attack Attack No Risk parts of the field

Attack High Reward parts of the field Attack Wide spaces

Where NOT to Attack 1v1

In the defensive third of the field Close to your own goal

When to 1v1 attack

Defenders with No Cover Teams running an offsides trap

Teams running a flat back four If beating your defender creates a numbers up situation

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This is the “How To” of 1v1 Attacking. There are specific steps to follow that will give you a good

place to start. By following these foundational steps, you will gain a process that gives you a good chance to succeed. As you practice each step you will find certain tricks or moves that

work better for you.

STEP 1: Get a Good First Touch

When receiving the ball it will be important to get a good first touch. With a good first touch you

will have an immediate advantage to go into the 1v1 Attack. With a bad 1st touch you will either lose the ball immediately or be caught having to scramble to get the ball back under control.

This loss of time is devastating to your attack.

Time and Space. Just a quick note on time and space to help understand 1st touch. Simply put, if you have lots of time and lots of space, i.e. no defenders around, then your first touch

doesn’t really matter that much. You can take your time and no big deal if the ball ends up a couple feet away because there is no defender and therefore no threat of you losing the ball. If

a defender is close and you don’t have a lot of time and space, it is extremely important that your preparing touch is close and controlled.

Options for your first touch. We are going to look at a couple different thoughts on 1st touch

as it pertains to the defender and time and space.

A. Defender is Close. If the defender is close and there is limited time and space your first touch is crucial. Many times if the defender is too close you will be able to beat them with a

good steering touch that pushes you past them. Defenders that line up too close can often be beat with one touch - keep this in mind.

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FUNDAMENTALS OF 1V1 ATTACKING

B. Defender is Playing Off. Defenders may play off for different reasons. Playing off means

they are not tight and up close next to you. This position of the defenders gives you a little breathing room and will allow a little more flexibility and comfort with your first touch. We will

always strive to get a good first touch in order to keep the game flowing and maintain a good speed of play, but the extra time and space will help you to relax and make good decisions.

The first touch for this can be a dead touch right at your feet or directed first time towards the defender and really allow you to build up and gain speed into your attack.

STEP 2: GO AT THEM WITH SPEED

One of the hardest things for a defender is an attacker running at them with speed. Running at

a defender does a lot of things. First and foremost it gives you the advantage of speed. Most defenders are taught to go toward you to win the ball. If you are running at them with speed and

they are coming at you, a simple touch to the side will usually get you by them. This momentum is a difficult thing for defenders. Many times your speed towards them will prevent them from

coming at you and give you the upper hand by putting them back on their heals. This is great and again gives you a good chance to beat them. By dribbling right at them with speed, you will

most likely freeze or commit that defender to you. This is exactly what you want.

STEP 3: CHANGE OF DIRECTION

Change of direction has a couple of components. First, to be clear, change of direction says that we cannot continue to run right at the defender. If we do, the defender will just stand there

and we will run right into them and get tackled. Change of direction means that as we get close to the defender we move the ball and/or ourselves off the line that it is on. Otherwise there

could be a huge collision.

Deception, Fakes, and Moves. One important component to help us get the ball past the defender is deception. We must be a little tricky to keep the defender from making an easy

tackle. As you approach the defender, it is important to add a little move or fake that gets them

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off balance and keeps them guessing. Leaving an open, easy path to the ball will get you

tackled almost every time. Check out the “FAKES” section on SoccerHomework.com a good moves to employ when Attacking 1v1.

Timing of the Fake. Timing of the move or fake is extremely important. Some moves are

designed to do in close. Some moves need to be done a little further away. A good rule to follow is that if you are running at speed and have good momentum then about 2 steps in front

of the defender will be a good spot to do your move. This is about 3-4 feet away. In doing your move you are trying to stay out of the range of the tackle and prevent the defender from

getting his/her foot on the ball.

What is Range? When attacking you will need to be aware of the range of the tackle. A general range to think about is 3 feet around the defender. See the red circle below as an

example.

This range is where you have the risk of being tackled. It is also how you will want to judge your change of direction. You will want avoid this area as best as you can. Now the tricky thing is

this, your defender will move! So the range is moving and you need to move too. Remember that speed give you an advantage and can possible freeze this defender. Red means do not

enter.

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Defender

Range

Beat your player on a Y. To best explain the change of direction needed, simply think about

beating you player on a ‘Y’. You will dribble up and then either split to the left or right. This should look like a letter Y on the ground. Notice that you are saying out of the defender’s range.

STEP 4: ACCELERATE

After beating you defender you will want to accelerate. This acceleration will allow you to get past them without them easily catching up to you. Acceleration after beating your player is a

huge component that you will need to work on. Practice turning up the field and going as fast as you can.

Accelebrate! Notice the spelling! For a little fun I have smashed the word “accelerate” and

“celebrate” together. This term means for you to accelerate in order to celebrate. If you can accelerate after getting to the side of your defender then it is likely that you can celebrate the

success of beating them. Accelebrate!

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Defender

Summary:

The “How to” or fundamentals of Attacking 1v1 can be broken down into 4 steps. These steps

have some details within them and there will be definite trial and error to see what works best for you.

Step 1: Get a good first touch

Step 2: Go at them with speedStep 3: Change of Direction

Step 4: Accelerate

Don’t forget about deception, fakes, and moves. These take consistent practice, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered with our Video Skills Training on SoccerHomework.com. Pick a couple

of moves and fakes and practice each day.

BONUS: THE MESSI

Lionel Messi is quite possibly the most prolific dribbler the world has ever seen. He is mesmerizing with the ball and seems to have no equal. His combination of speed and skill

wreaks havoc on defensive lines. Watch him and copy him. Get outside with the ball and play…

“I play like a child”- Messi

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What are some tips, tricks and moves that will really help? Each person will have different

comfort levels and find things that really work best for them. When you find things that seem to work for you then repeat them over and over and try to perfect them. Use the tips, tricks, and

moves below to give you a head start on finding out what will work best for you.

The first tip is to Attack. When you have the ball and you’ve made the decision that you are

going to attack the 1v1 then go attack it. Don’t hesitate, don’t wait. When you think of a lion going after a gazelle, the lion is running full speed at the gazelle. You need to have the same

mindset that you are going to go at the defender at full speed. Don’t go into your 1v1 slowly or with hesitation. This gives the defender a chance to make the tackle.

Have 2 or 3 moves that you do really well. You don’t need to know every move out there. In the game you will do well to use 2 or 3 different moves. It doesn’t hurt to have and use a lot of

moves, but it also isn’t essential. It will be important for you to choose 2 or 3 moves that you like and are comfortable with. Once you decide what your favorite moves will be, work on

perfecting them. Practice these moves and put your character into them so that they become yours. Repeat them over and over so that they are automatic. Having your go-to move will give

you confidence about getting into the 1v1 attack.

Have a move in mind. Very similar to having your go-to moves is to have a move in mind. As

you go into the 1v1, have an idea of a move to do. There will be some reaction to the defender but if you are attacking with speed and hope to unbalance the defender, having a move that you

lead with will really help. Reactionary dribbling is a must and will be effective and useful. But going in with a plan gives you an advantage and confidence.

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Tips, Tricks, and Moves

Train everyday. If you want have good skills and be able to beat your defender you will have

to practice. You will need to work everyday so that you gain an unconscious control of the ball. Get on SoccerHomework.com, look at the moves, go outside with your ball and copy what

you see.

Summary:

Tips, tricks, and moves.

Attack with Speed. Be like a lion with the ball. Go right at the defender and try to get them on their heals or freeze them.

Have 2 or 3 moves that are yours. Perfect a couple of moves that will be automatic for

you in games.

Have a move in mind. As you run at the defender, know what move you want to do. Then do it!

Use moves that take you towards the goal. We are not talking about possession or

playing it safe here. We are talking about going at defenders to beat them. Use moves that get you in behind the defender and keep you going forward to goal.

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Use this cheat sheet to quickly refer back to key ideas in 1v1 Attacking.

Why to Attack 1v1

To beat your player and get in behind

Where to Attack 1v1 Attack No Risk parts of the field

Attack High Reward parts of the field Attack Wide spaces

Where NOT to Attack 1v1

In the defensive third of the field Close to your own goal

When to 1v1 attack

Defenders with No Cover Teams running an offsides trap

Teams running a flat back four Creates a numbers up situation

How to Win 1v1 Attack

Step 1: Get a good first touch. Step 2: Go at them with Speed!

Step 3: Change of Direction Step 4: Accelerate

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Cheat Sheet 1v1 Attacking

List the Steps for Attacking 1v1:

List some Moves and Fakes to use in the 1v1 (Hint - Look them up on SoccerHomework):

Your Notes on 1v1 Attacking:

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Player Worksheet: 1v1 Attacking