How To Defend 1v1 When You Get Beat

Learn what to do when you get beat as a defender. It’s going to happen. Be prepared!

Key Points:

1 - Cover the angle, don’t chase the attacker.

2 - Close Space

3 - Don’t Dive In

4 - Repeat If Needed

Exercise to Practice:

An exercise to practice is to set up a one versus one defending grid. You will need a partner, a ball and 10 cones. If you don’t have a partner try to simulate this exercise on your own. Set up your grid like so.

You as the defender pass the ball to the attacker and then close them down. The attacker needs to let you get set up and in a defensive stance for a few seconds. Then the attacker beats you to one side, they should dribble towards the sideline cone.

You as the defender now need to cover the angle and then close the space. Once you do that the one v one game is live and the attacker should try to beat you and you stay patient and try to win it.

The attacker is trying to score in the little cone goal on your side. You are trying to win it and kick it out or score in the little goal on their side.

After a goal is scored or the ball goes out do another rep. Let the defender do 5 reps in a row and then switch. Do this as many times as you’d like.

Remember this is a one v one defending simulation exercise for when you get beat so attackers and defenders need to be patient and do the first two parts of this exercise before it’s live.

What’s Wrong:

If the attacker is able to get their shot off or make a pass after they beat you, you are probably chasing the attacker instead of covering the angle.

Having said this understand some attackers won’t hold onto the ball that long. For example they take a touch by you and as you start to cover the angle they have already made their play. That will happen, be accepting of that.

Bonus Tip:

Be patient! Can’t say it enough. Be patient. The best defenders aren’t always the biggest fastest players on the field, they are the smartest. Be patient and let the attacker make their mistake. Yes, being strong and fast helps, but being smart is what separates good players from great. Be great!

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