How to Coach Delay in a 2v1 Drill in Soccer

The first principle of defending in soccer is known as either pressure, containment or delay. In a 2v1 situation, delay is the best method of defending, since it slows down the attack and allows defenders to recover into defensive positions. 2v1 drills are good ways to work on the concept of delay in soccer.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Pinnies
  • Balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a small grid that is 20 yards long and 10 yards wide. Divide the team into three groups. Alternatively, to keep everyone working as much as possible, set up two or three grids. If using several grids, split the squad into two teams per grid, nominating one team per grid to begin as the defending team.

    • 2

      Play line soccer in the small 20-yard by 10-yard grid. Two attackers pass and dribble and attempt to score by controlling the ball past the end line. The defensive player tries to win the ball, intercept a bad pass,or force a bad touch before counterattacking to the opposite end line. Switch emphasis so that defending teams get to attack and attacking teams get to defend. If working with one grid and three groups, have two groups as attackers and one as a defending group. Rotate each group so that all groups get to be defenders.

    • 3

      Coach defenders to make curved runs to the player with the ball, fast to the ball and slow on approach. Bend knees to lower center of gravity, and work on the idea of not diving in immediately. Forcing the attacker to the outsides, the defender can then attempt to win the ball, at first by making fake tackle attempts before making more decisive attempts to win the ball the closer the attacker gets to the end line.

    • 4

      Move this exercise to a 2v1 game to goal. Have a big goal on a grid 20 yards wide by 30 yards long, with a small goal for the defender to attack at the opposite end. Have the keeper serve to the attackers. Coach for proper approach and body shape, and correct timing of tackles for the defenders.

    • 5

      Progress the 2v1 drill to a 3v3 game to two goals. Have each half as a 2v1 situation, with one defender against two attackers in each half, plus goalkeepers. This will retain the aspects of 2v1, which brings out the coaching points for delay while adding the context of a real game and positional play. Coach the same points about delay in the defensive half. The same principles can now also apply to the two attackers in the opposite half whenever they lose the ball.