68-P8 · Wave of play · Ages 9–11
1 v 1 Attacking & Defending Challenge
1 v 1 Attacking & Defending Challenge is a wave of play for ages 9 and up (10 players, 20 × 30 yards) that works on movement, finishing and defending.
This practice is built to improve players’ 1 v 1 defending skills, with a strong focus on technique, positioning, and decision-making.
Opens in Touchtight Club · 14-day free trial · Card required
1:55 - Age group
- Ages 9–11, 12–14, 15–17, 18+
- Players
- 10 players
- Area
- 20 × 30 yards (1/4 Pitch)
- Time
- 20–30 minutes
- Practice type
- Wave of play
- Coach level
- Intermediate (C Licence)
How it's set up
The practice is set up in a 20 by 30-yard area with 5-yard vertical zones on either side of the pitch. Attacking players start with the ball and engage in a diagonal 1 v 1 against a defender, aiming to beat them and finish against a goalkeeper. Once an attack is completed, a new 1 v 1 immediately begins from the opposite side, maintaining a continuous flow. The Objective: Defenders must stay within their designated zone and are rewarded with a point if they successfully force the attacker into wide areas. If a defender wins possession centrally, they are allowed to counter and finish.
Key coaching points
- Prioritise central protection – Defenders must prevent attackers from breaking centrally.
- Maintain effective body positioning – Adopt a side-on stance for balance and quick reactions.
- Manage distances – Maintain pressure while avoiding too much space or overcommitment.
Also in the full practice
- 2 progressions to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
- 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
- The coach-led video (1:55) how to set it up and deliver itIn Club
- Add it to your team's Dugout drop it into a session plan with your warm-up and gameIn Club
Open 68-P8 in Club → 14-day free trial
Run it with your team.
Watch 68-P8 in full, then add it to your next session. It's one of over 1,000 practices in the Touchtight Club library.
Related practices
95-P4 · Technical practice
231 Central Build-Up Play to Finish
Develop central build-up play and finishing using a 231 structure. Transferable from 7v7 and 9v9 into 433 principles.
82-P1 · Technical practice
Movement in Behind to Finish
This practice takes place in a 40 by 45-yard area and focuses on developing passing combinations to create opportunities to finish.
56-P9 · Functional practice
Striker-Winger Combinations to Attack
Elevate your teams attacking play with this fast-paced 3 v 3 practice, designed to sharpen combinations between our wingers and striker!