Slow the Train
Friendly 1v1 defending: stay side-on, back off patiently and slow the train down.
One lane: the train dribbles for the far end while the defender backs off slowly, side-on and on their feet.
Set up
- Cone out lanes side by side.
- Put discs along the edges every 3 m.
- The attacker (train) is at one end.
- The defender starts 3 m in front, facing them.
Pairs, each in their own lane 5 m wide by 15 m long.
How to play
- The train dribbles for the far end line.
- The defender stays on their feet, side-on, and backs off slowly.
- The defender scores 1 if the train stops, turns back or goes out of the side.
- They score 2 for a poke that wins and stops the ball.
- Swap and come back the other way.
- After 2 minutes, Move One.
Keeping everyone moving
Every pair runs at once and turns straight round. There is no queue.
Make it easier
- The train walks.
- A wider lane.
Make it harder
- A narrower lane.
- The train may speed up after the second station.
Three things to say
- Side-on with small steps.
- Patience, no diving in.
- Poke only when the ball is too far from the attacker.
Words that work: "Patient and brave, great defending!", "Super hard work backing off!", "Lovely, you helped your partner learn!"
Colts habit
Defend as a friend.
Both feet
The defender practises leading with either foot.
Heads up
Watch the ball, not the tricks.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020 to 2021
- Not used.
- 2018 to 2019
- 4 m lane, walking train first.
- 2016 to 2017
- Full speed. The defender shows the train to the practice foot side.
Safety: No slide tackles, no shoulder barges, hands off. Safety swap for big size gaps.
Keeping score: Stations I slowed the train by: beat your own last score.