2v2 Battle - Attacking and Defending Drill

Chris Johnson 22,599 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This 2v2 soccer attacking and defending drill focuses on the attacker's decision to dribble, pass, or shoot. From the defensive side, they must quickly close down the attackers and deny space.

Soccer Drill Diagram: 2v2 Battle - Attacking and Defending Drill

2v2 Soccer Battle, Soccer Attacking, Soccer Defending

This 2v2 soccer attacking and defending drill focuses on the attacker's decision to dribble, pass, or shoot. From the defensive side, they must quickly close down the attackers and deny space.
Drill Setup

  1. Create a 40X30 grid. The grid should be wider than longer.
  2. Place a small goal or Pugg Goal on each end line.
  3. Split the team into two groups.
  4. Have one group start on the sideline without a ball; they will be the attackers.
  5. The other group will start on the opposite sideline with a ball; they are the defenders.
Drill Instructions

  1. Two defenders step out with one ball.
  2. Two attackers also step out without a ball.
  3. The defender with the ball passes to one of the attackers.
  4. The defenders quickly move to close down the two attackers.
  5. The attackers must immediately start with a pass to the second attacker. Encourage deception such as overlapping runs from the attackers to throw off the approaching defenders.
  6. The attackers can attack either of the two goals.
  7. Once a goal is scored, the ball goes out of bounds, or the defensive team wins the ball, the play is over and the next group begins.
  8. The drill repeats with two new defenders and two new attackers.
  9. Switch the roles of each line to allow the opportunity to attack and defend.
Drill Variations

  • Modify the field size to play 3v3.
  • Limit the touches of the attackers to encourage more passing and 1-2's.
Drill Coaching Points

Attackers

  • Encourage attackers to work together to quickly and effectively attack the goal and score quickly. 
  • Continuous movement to assist your teammate.
  • Make the right decision to either dribble to beat a defender, pass, or shoot.

Defenders

  • Quickly close down the attackers to deny space.
  • Continue working hard until the ball is won.
  • Proper body mechanics while defending to hold off the attackers.

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 151,982 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 553,987 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 472,380 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 701,062 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 331,866 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 238,997 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 191,337 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 777,687 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 330,696 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 678,330 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.