1v1 Finisher
Four sprints to tire the legs, then your child beats a marker with a skill move and finishes low into a corner.
At a glance
- A goal (or two jumpers), with a marker 4 big steps out as the defender. Two more markers 4 big steps apart, off to the side.
- Sprint there and back between the side markers 4 times. Then dribble from 6 big steps out at the defender marker.
- Beat the marker with a skill move (step-over, chop or shoulder drop), then finish low and hard into a corner. Five goes.
- Progress 1: You replace the marker as the defender: shuffle side to side, no tackling.
- Progress 2: Same, and you chase once they get past, so they have to finish quickly.
If it's not working: Do 2 sprints instead of 4 before each go.
- your child
- run
- dribble
- shot
- 1in this order
A goal, a marker as the defender, and two markers off to the side for sprints. Four quick there-and-back sprints first to tire the legs, then dribble at the marker, beat it with a skill move and finish low and hard into a corner. Five goes.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- A goal, with a marker 4 big steps out from it as the defender.
- Two more markers about 4 big steps apart, off to one side, for the sprints.
Garden, park.
How to play
- First, tire the legs: 4 quick there-and-back sprints between the two side markers, like late in a real match.
- Then your child dribbles from 6 big steps out at the marker defender and beats it with a skill move: step-over, chop or shoulder drop.
- They finish low and hard into a corner. Five goes.
Make it easier
- Do 2 sprints instead of 4 before each go.
- Any goal counts, not just a low one in the corner.
Make it harder, step by step
- You replace the marker as the defender: shuffle side to side, no tackling.
- Same, and you chase once they get past, so they have to finish quickly.
Three things to say
- Sell the move with your body, then change pace: slow then explosively fast.
Colts habit
Work hard: little and often beats one long go.
Both feet
Do a round with the practice foot only.
Heads up
Look up between touches.
Safety: Pick a clear, flat space, look out for traffic and hazards, and stop if anything hurts. Soft ball indoors.
My best
Goals out of 5 with a clean skill move, and their favourite move. Last time and this time. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.