Session Pitch

One Against One

Choose a route past a patient defender.

U830 / 45 / 60 minRecommended 6–12 playersVersion 2.0.0

Carriers go straight at a defender and lose their route. Use a change of direction while the defender protects space without contact.

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Dimensions include a 2 m perimeter buffer. Confirm clear space and a usable surface before play.

30 minutes combines the application challenge with the game. Every length includes instructions, water and transitions.

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Player arrivals and departures

Use anonymous numbers from 1 to 99. Changes take effect before an activity begins; each activity needs 4–16 players.

    Your practice

    Choose a route past a patient defender.

    U860 min6 starting players20 × 25 mField practice

    Bring 6 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

    Look for progress

    • Create a clear change of direction before reaching the defender.
    • Keep a gap; score through space rather than through a players body.

    Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.

    1. 10:00–10:00Prepare the first decision
    2. 210:00–22:00Fake and exit
    3. 322:00–25:00Water and reset
    4. 425:00–40:00Lane duel
    5. 540:00–55:00Use the choice in a game
    6. 655:00–60:00Recall one useful choice
    1

    Prepare the first decision

    10 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. Walk toward an imaginary blocker, show one direction with the body and take the ball the other way. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.

    Make the defender choose first. The body cue and ball exit go in different directions.

    Run the activity

    1. Walk toward an imaginary blocker, show one direction with the body and take the ball the other way.
    2. Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
    3. Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: The body cue and ball exit go in different directions.

    Play

    • Walk toward an imaginary blocker, show one direction with the body and take the ball the other way.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    The body cue and ball exit go in different directions.

    If you see: The carrier makes the feint too close to the shadow.

    Try: Start the choice earlier and stop if the gap closes.

    Organisation

    3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and receiver / shadow; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 2 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 60s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    7 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 420s activity · 60s briefing · 60s rest · 60s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Keep the shadow stationary on one side.

    Next step: Let the shadow choose a side after the approach begins.

    Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for fake and exit.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    2 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    3 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    4 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    6 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
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    Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

    2

    Fake and exit

    12 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    A walking shadow protects one side of a station from a metre away. Name an exit to each side.

    Make the defender choose first. The body cue and ball exit go in different directions.

    Run the activity

    1. Approach with the ball close and look at the shadow.
    2. Show a small body movement toward one side.
    3. Carry to the other exit, stop and swap the leading role.

    Play

    • Approach with the ball close and look at the shadow.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    The body cue and ball exit go in different directions.

    If you see: The carrier makes the feint too close to the shadow.

    Try: Start the choice earlier and stop if the gap closes.

    Organisation

    3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and receiver / shadow; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 2 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 60s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    10 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 600s activity · 60s briefing · 30s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Keep the shadow stationary on one side.

    Next step: Let the shadow choose a side after the approach begins.

    Move on: Stop in place, recall the body cue and ball exit go in different directions. and walk to water with the balls still.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    2 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    3 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    4 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    6 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    8 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    10 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
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    Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

    3

    Water and reset

    3 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The carrier changes direction before the gap disappears.

    Make the defender choose first. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.

    Run the activity

    1. Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
    2. Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
    3. Name what to look for next: The carrier changes direction before the gap disappears.

    Play

    • Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.

    If you see: Players begin moving balls while others cross the area.

    Try: Keep every ball still until the area is clear and all players have heard the start signal.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    Timing: 0s activity · 30s briefing · 120s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Demonstrate only the first action, then begin slowly.

    Next step: Invite a player to point out the next receiving or observation position.

    Move on: Show the first decision in lane duel before the restart signal.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    Rest1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    4

    Lane duel

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    A defender guards an end-line space. They may intercept a loose ground ball but may not tackle at a player's feet.

    Make the defender choose first. The carrier changes direction before the gap disappears.

    Run the activity

    1. Carrier approaches slowly and looks for an open side.
    2. Defender moves sideways without closing into body contact.
    3. Carrier exits through a clear route; reset if no safe route remains.

    Play

    • Carrier approaches slowly and looks for an open side.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    The carrier changes direction before the gap disappears.

    If you see: The defender reaches across the carrier's feet.

    Try: Stop, restore a clear gap and allow only passes or loose balls to be intercepted.

    Organisation

    3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and receiver / shadow; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 2 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 60s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.

    12 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Use a signalling partner with no interception.

    Next step: Give the carrier two unequal exit widths to read.

    Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Score by carrying across an end line; reset roles after each score or out-of-bounds.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show gate escape using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See both exits: Check both sides before the signal. 2. Choose the open gate: Take the free crossing under control. 3. Clear the route: Look up before choosing the next route.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    2 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    3 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    4 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    6 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    8 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    10 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
    11 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3)
    12 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3)
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    Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

    5

    Use the choice in a game

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    Score by carrying across an end line; reset roles after each score or out-of-bounds. Use the numbered teams and neutral roles for this pitch. Agree line targets inside the shown area. Restart with a gentle ground pass; opponents retreat at least two metres until the first touch.

    Make the defender choose first. Record a safe route chosen around a defender; do not reward pushing through a gap.

    Run the activity

    1. Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score by carrying across an end line; reset roles after each score or out-of-bounds.
    2. Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
    3. At the next pause, give one observed example: Record a safe route chosen around a defender; do not reward pushing through a gap.

    Play

    • Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score by carrying across an end line; reset roles after each score or out-of-bounds.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Record a safe route chosen around a defender; do not reward pushing through a gap.

    If you see: The defender reaches across the carrier's feet.

    Try: Stop, restore a clear gap and allow only passes or loose balls to be intercepted.

    Organisation

    1 pitch. Teams use numbered A/B slots. Odd groups use a neutral who helps the team with the ball. Rotate slot assignments between rounds; everyone plays and each odd-pitch player takes a neutral turn.

    4 rounds × 180 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Use a signalling partner with no interception.

    Next step: Give the carrier two unequal exit widths to read.

    Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered pitches, 6 numbered player slots, 1 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered pitches, 6 numbered player slots, 1 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 4: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 6: team B (station 1)
    2 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 4: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 6: team A (station 1)
    3 · 180s1: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 4: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 6: team B (station 1)
    4 · 180s1: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 4: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 6: team A (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 1 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    6

    Recall one useful choice

    5 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending

    Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: Which change of direction opened a route?

    Make the defender choose first. Create a clear change of direction before reaching the defender. Keep a gap; score through space rather than through a players body.

    Run the activity

    1. Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
    2. Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: Which change of direction opened a route?
    3. Share one observed example or say that you need another look; count the players and equipment before finishing.

    Play

    • Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
    • Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.

    Watch for

    Create a clear change of direction before reaching the defender. Keep a gap; score through space rather than through a players body.

    If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.

    Try: Ask for one specific example: Record a safe route chosen around a defender; do not reward pushing through a gap.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    2 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 120s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Allow a pointing gesture or one word instead of a spoken explanation.

    Next step: Invite a player to explain what they would change if the same route closed next time.

    Move on: Check every player and collect stationary equipment before leaving the area.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 6 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Choose a route past a patient defender. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1)
    2 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    After the practice

    Which change of direction opened a route?

    Choose an observation and find your next practice

    Related practices

    Turn Through GatesTwo Ways to ScoreDribble and Stop