FUTURES. COACHING HUB

Attack to the right. 1 / 2: attackers · D: defender · White dot: ball
Gold solid: carry · Gold dashed: pass / shot · White dotted: run. One possible action.

The four types of 2v1

Start with the relationship between the carrier, support and defender.

Frontal 2v1

Draw the defender. Keep both options.

Frontal 2v1; attack to the right
  • On the ball: Pass if they commit; dribble if they block the pass.
  • Supporting player: Stay wide and within passing range.
  • Defender: Delay and restrict the passing lane.
Watch for

Does the carrier choose the open route?

Behind 2v1

Move out of the cover shadow.

Behind 2v1; attack to the right
  • On the ball: Engage the defender; pass as the lane opens.
  • Supporting player: Start behind the defender, then move into view.
  • Defender: Press the ball and screen the forward pass.
Watch for

Is there a clear lane to the supporting player?

Side 2v1

Support on the blind shoulder.

Side 2v1; attack to the right
  • On the ball: Draw the defender; pass beyond pressure.
  • Supporting player: Stay at least level, with a clear passing angle.
  • Defender: Adjust to see both attackers.
Watch for

Can the support receive beyond the defender?

Back-to-goal 2v1

Protect, turn or combine.

Back-to-goal 2v1; attack to the right
  • On the ball: Pass to a safe foot and support the next action.
  • Supporting player: Scan. Lay off if tightly marked; turn if free.
  • Defender: Stay connected and deny the turn.
Watch for

Does the next action match the pressure?

Scoring methods

Keep the choice to carry or combine alive.

To an end zone

Progress into space with control.

To an end zone; attack to the right
  • Score: Dribble in, or pass to a teammate in the zone.
  • Set the rule: Choose either or both ways before starting.
  • Decision: Carry past the defender or release the support.
Watch for

The receiver must control the ball in the zone.

Through two gates

Separate the threats. Choose a gate.

Through two gates; attack to the right
  • Score: Carry through either gate under control.
  • Alternative: Pass through for a teammate to receive beyond.
  • Decision: Change direction as the defender moves.
Watch for

Keep both gates within the defender's reach.

Mini goal / big goal (if GK)

Create the better finishing chance.

Mini goal / big goal (if GK); attack to the right
  • Score: Either attacker can finish in the mini goal.
  • With a GK: Use a big goal: two attackers vs defender + GK.
  • Decision: Shoot, pass or take another touch.
Watch for

Keep the shot available; no compulsory pass.

Target + end zone

Connect, set, run beyond.

Pass into the target, then set the other attacker into the end zone on a third-man run
  • Combine: Pass into the target; the other attacker runs beyond.
  • Target: Set the ball into the runner's path.
  • Score: Receive the target's pass in the zone under control.
Watch for

Time the third-man run as the target receives.

Build & adjust

Change one variable, watch the decisions and adjust the challenge.

1. Set the starting picture

Set the picture. Let it change.

1. Set the starting picture; attack to the right
  • Choose: Frontal, behind, side or back to goal.
  • Start live: All three players can move and react.
  • Behind 2v1: Start with the defender between the attackers.
Watch for

Does the support move out of the cover shadow?

2. Set the target and transition

Give the defender a next action.

Defender regains and counters to the left
  • Target: Choose a zone, gates, goal or target + end zone.
  • On a regain: The defender carries over the starting line.
  • Reaction: Both attackers recover; play through deflections.
Watch for

Explain the scoring rule before starting.

3. Adjust space and rotate

Change one thing. Watch the response.

3. Adjust space and rotate; attack to the right
  • Space: Width separates options; length allows runs.
  • Pressure: Too easy? Tighten it. Too rushed? Ease it.
  • Rotate: All three roles, both sides, spare balls ready.
Watch for

Keep repetitions flowing and queues short.

4. Protect choice; check transfer

Keep the choice to carry or pass.

4. Protect choice; check transfer; attack to the right
  • Start free: Free touches; a successful dribble stays valid.
  • Add a reward: Use a combination bonus only for a clear purpose.
  • Play a game: Remove the rule and look for the same decisions.
Watch for

What made the defender choose?