2v1 Defending the Channel

Teach a lone defender to defend a 2v1: delay the attack, stay on the goal-side, force play wide and away from danger until support arrives.

A channel into one goal with a keeper. Two attackers start at the bottom with the ball; one defender starts in front of the goal.

1. Two attackers combine to try to score; one defender defends the goal.
2. The defender delays — backpedals, stays goal-side, and forces the ball wide.
3. A second defender recovers from the side after a short delay to make it 2v2.
4. Attackers score in the big goal; defenders score by clearing into a target gate.
5. Rotate roles every repetition.

• Don't dive in — delay and protect the centre.
• Show the ball-carrier away from goal, toward the touchline.
• Stay side-on and goal-side; watch the ball, sense the runner.
• Communicate with the recovering defender — pick up the spare man.

• The defender dives in early and is beaten by the first move — delay, stay big, force the attacker to commit first.
• Defenders defend square-on and get rolled either side — coach the angled, side-on stance.
• The defender backs off forever and concedes the channel — show where the line of no-retreat is.

• Delay the recovering defender longer (harder 2v1).
• Add a second recovering attacker (3v2).
• Shrink the area to speed up decisions.

• Recovering defender arrives sooner.
• Make the goal smaller.
• Slow the attackers to a jog.

• The defender scores by clearing the ball through a wide gate.