Carnmoney Colts Academy badgeCarnmoney ColtsAcademy Join

Practice games

Dictating Play

1v1 defending: steer the attacker wide, away from goal, so the shot angle is small.

Practice 13 min 4 to 8 players Cage Half pitch 2016 to 2017

Brave 1v1 Win It, Keep It, Score Work hard

At a glance

  • 25 by 25 grid with a goal, several grids at once. Pairs: the defender starts by the goal with the ball, the attacker at the far end.
  • The defender passes to the attacker, then closes down on a curved run, showing them the wide side, away from goal.
  • The attacker tries to score. A goal, a ball out or the defender winning it ends the go.
  • Swap roles each go.
  • Progress 1: Defender wins it? Dribble it over the end line where the attacker started to score.
  • Progress 2: 2v2: two pairs in a grid with a goal at each end. Defend your goal and steer the attackers wide.

If it's not working: The attacker dribbles at walking pace.

Dictating Play: set-up1231 pass in, 2 bend the run, 3 steer them wide.25 m by 25 m
  • attacker
  • defender
  • run
  • dribble
  • pass
  • 1in this order

One pair's grid, several running at once. The defender starts by the goal with the ball and passes it in to the attacker, then bends their run so they arrive at an angle and show the attacker the wide side. The attacker is steered away from the goal, where the shot angle is small. Goal, ball out, or the defender wins it: swap roles.

Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks

Set up

  • Mark a 25 by 25 grid with a goal.
  • One pair on each grid, up to four grids. The defender starts by the goal with the ball, the attacker at the far end.

Balls, bibs, cones and nets. A 25 by 25 grid for each pair, up to four grids.

How to play

  • The defender passes the ball in to the attacker, who tries to score.
  • The defender closes down on a curved run, aiming to steer the attacker wide, away from goal, to narrow the angle for a shot.
  • A goal, a ball out or the defender winning it ends the go. Swap roles.

Make it easier

  • The attacker dribbles at walking pace, so the defender has time to bend their run.
  • Mark the wide area with cones, so the defender can see where to steer the attacker.

Make it harder, step by step

  1. Defender wins it? Dribble it over the end line where the attacker started to score.
  2. 2v2: two pairs in a grid with a goal at each end. Defend your goal and steer the attackers wide.

Three things to say

  • Bend your run to put your body between the ball and the goal.
  • Close down quickly, slow down, don't dive in.
  • Steer the attacker away from goal.

Colts habit

Work hard: patient defending is hard work.

Both feet

Show the attacker onto their practice foot.

Heads up

Watch the ball, not the tricks.

The Colts change: Played as the booklet has it, one pair on each grid.

Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.