Week 6 - 1v1 Defending
Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/62d426ee
Session Focus
1v1 Defending
Developing the skills and mindset to win defensive duels. This week focuses on defensive body position, timing of challenges, and the mentality required to stop attackers. Players learn to delay, show, and win the ball without fouling.
Building the technical skills, body positioning, and aggression to defend 1v1 situations effectively.
Structure & Flow of Session
1. Ball Mastery Warm-Up (10 mins)
Shadow Defending
Partners practice defensive positioning without the ball. Focus on footwork, body shape, and staying balanced.
- One player moves, defender mirrors
- Focus on staying goal-side
- Progress to including a ball
Coach Prompts:
- “Are you on your toes?”
- “Can you stay balanced while moving?”
- “Where are your eyes - ball or opponent’s hips?”
2. Contextual Game Scenario (15 mins)
1v1 Defending Duels
Individual defensive duels where defender must stop attacker scoring. Vary starting positions and distances.
- Defender starts in recovery position
- Must delay, show, and win
- Realistic angles and distances
Coach Prompts:
- “Are you getting too tight too early?”
- “Which direction are you showing them?”
- “When is the right moment to win it?”
3. Small Sided Game (15 mins)
Defensive Pressure Game
SSG where defending team earns bonus points for winning the ball in 1v1 duels (not interceptions).
- Points for tackles and blocks
- Encourages engaging attackers
- Rotate teams regularly
Coach Prompts:
- “Did you force them onto their weak foot?”
- “Were you patient or did you dive in?”
- “How quickly did you close down?”
4. Match-Related Play (15-20 mins)
4v4 Free Play
Open game with emphasis on individual defensive responsibility. Coach observes and celebrates good defending.
- No specific constraints
- Note defensive improvements
- Praise effort and technique
Key Coaching Points
1v1 Defending:
- Close down quickly, slow down at arm’s length
- Side-on body position
- Stay on your toes, knees bent
- Show attacker away from goal
- Be patient - don’t dive in
- Win the ball cleanly when opportunity comes
Defensive Approach:
- Delay - slow the attack
- Deny - block passing lanes
- Dictate - force direction
- Dispossess - win the ball
Why This Structure Works
- Technical preparation without ball pressure
- High-repetition duels in contextual practice
- Applied defending in SSG
- Natural defending in match play
This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model