Core Topic 5: 1v1 Defending

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

Defending a 1v1 is one of the most difficult tasks in the game, especially for young players. There’s no hiding in a 1v1. If they dive in too early, they’re beaten. If they back off too far, they give the attacker time and space. This topic is about teaching players how to control the situation with their body, timing, and decisions.

I teach players how to jockey and delay, not just tackle, because sometimes keeping the attacker wide is winning. I focus on body shape and footwork, showing the attacker where I want them to go. I build habits around timing, knowing when to step in and when to hold off because patience often beats aggression. I train recovery on how to respond after being beaten.

The defensive 1v1 breaks down into the approach (sprint to close space then slow down), body position (side-on stance, low centre of gravity), the jockey (match attacker’s pace, stay on feet), and the moment (wait for heavy touch, step in when ball is furthest away).

Progressive development moves from passive pressure shadowing without tackling, to directional defending forcing to one side, to live 1v1 with full consequences, to recovery defending starting behind the attacker. Key defensive principles cover distance (arm’s length often works), angle (show them wide, force weaker foot), timing (patient until right moment), and recovery (sprint back at angle).

Common problems include always diving in immediately (count to two before tackling), backing off too much (start closer), getting beaten and giving up (emphasise recovery), and only defending with speed (reward forcing wide or backwards). Key coaching points include “delay, don’t dive” and “show them where you want them.”

Slow them down. Stay on your feet. Win the moment.

Why This Topic Matters

Defending a 1v1 is one of the most difficult tasks in the game, especially for young players.

There’s no hiding in a 1v1. If they dive in too early, they’re beaten. If they back off too far, they give the attacker time and space. That’s why this topic is about teaching players how to control the situation, with their body, their timing, and their decisions.

We want players to be confident defending in space. That starts with learning how to stay patient and stay in control.

How We Coach It

We teach players how to jockey and delay

Not just tackle. Sometimes keeping the attacker wide is winning.

We focus on body shape and footwork

Showing the attacker where we want them to go, not where they want to go.

We build habits around timing

When to step in, and when to hold off. Patience often beats aggression.

We train recovery

How to respond after being beaten. Defend with urgency, not panic.

We use 1v1 setups where defenders are isolated, just like in the game. That might mean facing a dribbler in space, protecting a small goal, or recovering after being passed. Some players are natural defenders, others need help seeing defending as a skill, not just effort.

What Success Looks Like

Think of Virgil van Dijk. He doesn’t commit early. He slows the attacker down, shapes his body, and forces them into predictable decisions.

That’s what we want. Not last-ditch tackling, but intelligent pressure that wins the ball or forces mistakes. Great defenders don’t just win tackles. They control the duel.

The Defensive 1v1 Breakdown

The Approach

• Sprint to close space, then slow down
• Arrive under control, not at full speed
• Get close enough to affect decisions

Body Position

• Side-on stance (surf position often works)
• Low centre of gravity for quick changes
• Show attacker to their weak foot or away from goal

The Jockey

• Match attacker’s pace
• Stay on feet unless sure of winning ball
• Use arms for balance, not grabbing

The Moment

• Wait for heavy touch or indecision
• Step in when ball is furthest from attacker
• Win ball or force backwards/sideways

Different defenders excel at different aspects. Build on their strengths.

Common Problems and Solutions

Progressive Defensive Development

Stage 1: Passive Pressure

Shadow the attacker without tackling. Learn positioning and patience.

Stage 2: Directional Defending

Force attacker to one side. Success is direction, not winning ball.

Stage 3: Live 1v1

Full defending with goal to protect. Real consequences.

Stage 4: Recovery Defending

Start behind attacker, must recover and defend. Game-realistic scrambles.

Some players need longer at each stage. Confidence matters more than quick progression.

Key Defensive Principles

Distance

• Too close = easily beaten
• Too far = attacker has time
• Arm’s length often works well

Angle

• Show them wide when possible
• Force onto weaker foot
• Block direct route to goal

Timing

• Patient until the right moment
• Heavy touch = tackle opportunity
• Attacker off balance = step in

Recovery

• Sprint back at angle, not directly behind
• Get goalside quickly
• Reset defensive position

These are guidelines. Different situations need different solutions.

Key Coaching Points

• “Delay, don’t dive” (patience first)
• “Show them where you want them” (body angle)
• “Stay on your feet” (until certain)
• “Make them predictable” (force patterns)
• “If beaten, recover fast” (never give up)

Find phrases that resonate with your defenders.

Building Defensive Confidence

Training Progressions

• Start with slower attackers
• Gradually increase attacker quality
• Add consequences (goals/points)
• Celebrate good defending moments

Psychological Support

• Defending is a skill, not just effort
• Mistakes happen, recovery matters
• Film good defensive actions
• Pair with confident defenders

Game Application

• Recognise good defending publicly
• “Great delay!” is as valuable as “Great tackle!”
• Track defensive wins, not just tackles
• Build pride in defending

Remember, some players love defending, others need help seeing its value.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model