Breaking Down Small-Sided Play - 2 v 1

Course: How To Coach Technique
Section: 06 - Breaking Down Small-Sided Play
Subsection: 03 - 2 v 1
Page URL: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/e979bc11?md=abf9c91b04d84abdb571888643357083
Screenshot: 2v1.png

Two v One

Attacking

Important Concepts

• Width – Attacking Players Split: Ensure the two attackers maintain enough distance between themselves to stretch the defender and create passing lanes.
• Penetration – Drive at Goal, Commit Defender: One attacker drives towards the goal, forcing the defender to engage and creating space for a pass or shot.
• Support – Second Attacker Provides Passing Alternative: The supporting player stays available as an outlet for a pass or combination play, positioning themselves strategically to maximise options.

Helpful Coaching Points

• Decision Making – Dribble or Pass: Evaluate whether to take on the defender individually or use the support player to bypass the defender.
• Dribbling Techniques: Use skills like feints, close control, or changes of pace to unsettle the defender and create space (see 1v1 techniques).
• Passing Techniques: Ensure precise timing, appropriate angles, correct speed, and direction to avoid losing possession or triggering offside.
• Support Runs: The supporting player must focus on the timing, angle, speed, and direction of their run, avoiding offside positions and staying connected to the play.
• Communication Between Attackers: Verbal and non-verbal cues (e.g., pointing or eye contact) to coordinate movements effectively.
• Quick Decision-Making Under Pressure: Attackers must act swiftly to exploit the numerical advantage before the defender’s teammates recover.
• Use of Overlaps or Underlaps: The supporting attacker can create additional options by overlapping or underlapping the ball carrier.

Defending

Important Concepts

• Deny Space – Close Gap on First Attacker: Reduce the distance to the ball carrier to limit their ability to dribble or pass effectively.
• Delay – Don’t Over Commit: Slow down the attack by forcing the attackers to take extra touches, allowing defensive reinforcements to arrive.
• Positioning – Channel Opponent, Try to Isolate First Attacker: Angle your body to guide the ball carrier into less dangerous areas or towards their weaker foot while staying aware of the supporting attacker.

Helpful Coaching Points

• Close and Strong When Challenging: Engage the ball carrier with a well-timed, decisive challenge when the opportunity arises.
• Awareness of Offside: Use offside as a tool to neutralise the supporting attacker by maintaining defensive organisation.
• Make Opponent Focus on the Ball: Use small movements and adjustments to focus the ball carrier’s attention on your positioning rather than their teammate.
• Opportunity for “Quick Steal”: Watch for moments when the ball carrier exposes the ball and take advantage with a quick, clean tackle.
• Close, Strong, Well-Timed Challenge: Ensure defensive challenges are assertive and properly timed to avoid fouls or missed opportunities.
• Stay on Feet: Avoid sliding unless absolutely necessary to maintain balance and agility.
• Recover Quickly: If beaten, reposition swiftly to block the next phase of the attack or support your teammates.
• Effective Angling: Use your body to split the attackers and reduce the effectiveness of their passing options.
• Communication with Teammates: If help arrives, ensure clear communication about marking assignments or when to engage.

General Considerations

• Psychological Aspect: Build confidence in attackers to take advantage of the 2v1 and composure in defenders to manage the disadvantage effectively.
• Drill Suggestions: Include drills that simulate 2v1 scenarios, such as a defender retreating against two attackers or midfield combinations leading to a 2v1 against a goalkeeper.
• Game-Specific Context: Teach players to adapt their approach based on where the 2v1 occurs, such as on the wing, central areas, or near the goal.

Key Teaching Focus

• Exploiting numerical advantage through proper spacing and communication
• Decision-making between individual skill and team play
• Defensive strategies for managing overload situations
• Context-specific application based on field position